Luther alumni and friends contribute $3.5 million to Science Center Donors give $2.5 million to secure challenge pledge to Higher Calling Campaign
Luther College President Richard Torgerson has announced that alumni and friends of the college have donated $2.5 million to the Higher Calling Campaign to secure a $1 million challenge gift.
The challenge project's total $3.5 million will help fund construction of a new $20 million Science Laboratories and Research Center.
Luther is working to achieve the remaining $4.5 million in gifts and pledges needed to complete funding for the Center. Overall giving to the $90 million Higher Calling Campaign has surpassed the $85 million mark.
In January an anonymous donor offered Luther College a $1 million challenge as a 1-to-2 matching gift, challenging alumni and friends of Luther to give an additional $2 million to secure the gift.
"We knew that to meet the terms of this critical and timely challenge we would need the philanthropic partnership of many generous donors," said President Torgerson.
"I am pleased to say that Luther College alumni and friends not only met the terms of this challenge, but exceeded the goal with almost $2.5 million in new gifts and pledges to the new Science Laboratories and Research Center before the end of February."
The Luther College Board of Regents and former Regents were especially responsive, said Torgerson.
"We are deeply grateful for the current and past Regents and friends who have repeatedly responded to the important priorities of the Higher Calling Campaign," he said.
"Overall support for this comprehensive campaign from Regents has exceeded $18 million.
"Not only has every current Regent made a commitment to the campaign, but every Regent has also given to the new Science Center," Torgerson said of the Board's support for the expansion and enhancement of Luther's science education facilities.
"This is strong testament to this college's leadership."
Luther supporters' response to the challenge grant was immediate and enthusiastic, said Keith Christensen, vice president for development.
"It was our hope to meet this challenge before the end of February," Christensen said.
"As the first responses came in it became clear that the Luther constituency's enthusiasm remains exceptionally high for this important building project, and we met the deadline with time to spare."
Plans for the Science Laboratories and Research Center include construction of a 64,000-square-foot building adjacent to the current Valders Science Hall to house biology and chemistry facilities. After completion of the new building, Valders Hall is slated for renovation that will provide improved classroom and laboratory spaces for physics, psychology and nursing.
The new Science Laboratories and Research Center will offer additional space for collaborative student-faculty research projects and allow greater interdisciplinary learning.
The college plans a groundbreaking ceremony in May.
To learn more about Luther's Higher Calling Campaign, visit web site http://giving.luther.edu/highercalling.
