Next Horizon progress featured at virtual meeting

The Oct. 19 meeting was conducted for the first time virtually, rather than in-person, because of the pandemic. That was disappointing for Foundation and Alumni staff who look forward to hosting the annual dinner and thanking supporters in person, but it did allow many trustees from all over the country to join the event, said CEO Ben Watson.

In his remarks opening the meeting, Board Chairman Patrick Friesen announced the Next Horizon Math Science Initiative has raised more than $2.9 million, surpassing the Foundation’s original commitment of $2 million.

A board member since 2013, Friesen said he has seen first-hand the significance of Foundation support for Chadron State College projects. That includes providing more than $1.6 million for the new sports complex, raising more than $3.6 million in additional endowment funding for scholarships and financial support, and creating the Eagles Rise fund, which has provided more than $13,000 in aid to students affected by the pandemic.

“The Foundation has raised capital for numerous projects we feel will make the school stand out among its peers,” Friesen said. “The college must be given the opportunity to adapt and grow. The Foundation’s role is crucial in making this happen.”

Success in fundraising for the Math Science COIL, and other Foundation initiatives, comes from hundreds of Chadron State alumni, friends, and supporters across the country, Watson said in his presentation to the meeting.

“Today we are approaching the $3 million mark in private support given by generous leaders to create positive outcomes for years to come,” Watson said.

According to Watson, among the supporters whose contributions added nearly $1 million to the Math Science Initiative in a short time were the Sherwood Foundation, the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, CSC alumna Marlene McKee, and an anonymous donor.

The Omaha-based Sherwood Foundation provides grants primarily to non-profit organizations in the Omaha and Lincoln area that strive to reinforce its social justice goals, as well as Rural Community Partnership grants in other parts of the state to address locally-identified priorities that strengthen the common good of all Nebraskans.

The Scott Foundation, established in 1999 by native Nebraskans Bill and Ruth Scott, has provided numerous grants for facilities at University of Nebraska campuses in Lincoln and Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

McKee, a 1960 CSC graduate, had a successful career in computer programming before becoming an information technology specialist for the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho. She credits much of her success to CSC Math Professor Dr. Gene Hughes.

CSC President Dr. Randy Rhine praised the Foundation’s quick response in establishing the Eagles Rise fund to meet the financial needs of students, and noted that Foundation support for scholarships, programs and projects like the Sports Complex and Math Science is crucial in keeping CSC strong.

“Because you continue to believe in us and provide the support to move us forward, together we will meet whatever challenges come our way and continue to prepare the next generation of leaders,” Rhine said.

The success of the Next Horizon campaign, which has secured over $54 million in public and private support for college projects and programs since it started in 2014, is a tribute to the many donors who step up when called upon to help, said Watson.

“We need to thank all of you for helping to make that possible,” he said. “The Next Horizon campaign will continue as we seek to provide more support to Chadron State College and its students.”