Shepherd announces fundraising campaign; $16 million raised toward $20 million goal

ISSUED: 22 October 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
(Shepherd announces fundraising campaign; $16 million raised toward $20 million goal)

Shepherdstown, WV--The Shepherd University Create the Future fundraising campaign opened its public phase on Thursday, October 22 with the announcement that $16 million of a $20 million goal had been reached.

The announcement was made by Robert A. McMillan, chair of the Create the Future campaign, at a reception for major donors. The campaign had been in the silent phase since 2006. Funds were raised among the campaign leadership, loyal alumni, and volunteers.

The public phase will call on donors and friends of the university to raise the remaining $4 million to reach the $20 million goal.

The campaign funds will be used for student scholarships, academic program support, endowed chairs and faculty enhancement, and renovation and new construction.

The $16 million came from 2,214 alumni, 2,029 friends of Shepherd and Contemporary American Theater donors, and 320 foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

"The Create the Future campaign will provide life-changing opportunities for our students and the broader Shepherd University community," said Shepherd University President Suzanne Shipley. "Please join us on this transformational journey toward becoming a premier public liberal arts university. Our progress depends on the generosity of Shepherd's supporters."

Also bringing remarks at the Create the Future donor reception were Ramon A. Alvarez, president of the Shepherd University Foundation and campaign vice chair; Mary Jo Brown, who brought remarks on behalf of Gov. Joe Manchin; President Shipley; Jenny Allen, vice chair of the Create the Future campaign; and Dr. Brian Noland, chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Commission. The Shepherd debate and forensics team presented a dramatic reading titled "Generosity."

For more information about the Create the Future campaign, please visit www.shepherd.edu/create.

-30-OWENS

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Robert A. McMillan, chair of the Create the Future campaign, announces that $16 million of the $20 million goal has been raised.

Dr. Suzanne Shipley expresses her gratitude during the ceremony.

Mary Jo Brown, Gov. Manchin's representative; Dr. Brian Noland, chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Commission; Robert A. McMillan, chair of the Create the Future campaign; Ramon A. Alvarez, president of the Shepherd University Foundation and campaign vice chair; Dr. Suzanne Shipley, president of Shepherd University; and Jenny Allen, vice chair of the Create the Future campaign, lead the audience in a toast during the ceremony.