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In keeping with the school's 75th anniversary, Franciscan University of Steubenville officials unveiled the public-facing portion of an ambitious plan Friday morning -- a $75 million fundraising campaign.
It's the university's most ambitious fundraiser, and it's part of the effort to help the school continue to respond to God's call to Rebuild My Church, based on the call St. Francis of Assisi heard more than 800 years ago, the Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of the university, said during the announcement.
"It (Rebuild My Church) also is the call Franciscan University is hearing and answering today with a new strategic plan and capital campaign that will breathe new life into our sacred mission," Pivonka said.
The plan is to:
– Enhance and expand academics with $48 million going to the bricks and mortar centerpiece of the project -- a new Christ the Teacher academic and conference building. Constructed with two wings, the building will house 110,00 square feet of learning space and will be the first new academic building on campus in more than 20 years;
– Increase financial aid and scholarship opportunities by $18 million to continue to attract students, many of whom come from large families with limited means; and
– Build outreach and evangelization with a $5 million infusion to the worldwide summer youth and adult conferences and expand the university's effort to revitalize Catholics and their parishes.
Other campaign funding will include $2 million for the Center for Leadership and Entrepreneurship; $1 million toward a new, eight-bed skills lab and four simulation labs for the nursing department; and $1 million to support the development of new courses in Franciscan's criminal justice program.
During the past year, donations toward the $75 million goal have been tabulated, and more than $65.2 million has been committed, Bob Hickey, vice president of advancement and leader of the Rebuild My Church campaign, said Friday morning.
"This will empower our nursing, engineering and business programs. It's long overdue, and we're really excited," Hickey said.
"This is, by far, the most ambitious campaign the university has ever endeavored toward, so it is very humbling to share that number with you."
Hickey and Pivonka said the 10 months already spent seeking that funding have been tough but rewarding and, at times, an emotional experience.
Plans include $3 million in scholarships to students who are willing to take a sabbatical from their smartphones and $5 million in scholarships earmarked for students in Western Pennsylvania.
"We're pretty excited about that and forging some relationships with the diocese in Western Pennsylvania," Hickey said.
Of the $65.2 million already committed, almost $40 million is credited to the board of trustees when you take into account members current and past.
The university expects to officially break ground on the Christ the Teacher building next fall and to raise the remaining $9.8 million by the fall of 2023.
Those wanting to help out in the cause can donate through the university's http://giving.franciscan.edu website.