By Mary Pryor
Contributing Writer
“Stronger, Truer Sewanee,” the University’s largest capital campaign in history, is drawing closer to completion after raising more than $238 million out of its $250 goal.
The project has multiple aims, such as to complete a new and improved University Book and Supply Store located in the Sewanee Village as well as a two-story Wellness and Recreation Commons. The Wellness Commons broke ground on September 22, and it will house the Sewanee Outing Program, cafes, multipurpose rooms, and the health and wellness services that the University Wellness Center currently provides adjacent to Emerald Hodgson Hospital.
Another component of the project aims to move the School of Theology to central campus.
“We still plan to wrap up the campaign June 30, 2019,” noted Jay Fisher (C’79), the Vice President of University Advancement. According to the most recent campaign charts, with $238 million raised, the campaign only needs 4.8 percent more of the funding to complete its $250 million goal.
Each specific category of the school’s different groups has made significant process. The “Student” priority, which will help to cover incoming and current students’ demonstrated needs, has roughly $28 million in hand, with the goal being $59.6 million by the end of campaign.
“Academics,” a priority focusing on aiding interdisciplinary work and off-campus research, has raised approximately $28 million out of a goal of $50.6 million in mind. “Campus Life,” the priority devoted to funding the YSR Club, which supports athletics, SWAG (Sewanee Wellness Action Group), and outreach trips, has raised $26 million with the goal of $36 million in mind.
“Theology,” going towards the aid and funding for both the Education for Ministry seminary students and professors, has $18 million in hand with the goal of $25 million. Lastly, the “General” category for upkeep and funding, which can go towards any of the specific campaign priority categories, has raised $41 million with a goal of $81 million.
In order to raise such funds, many campaign events have happened across the country, in cities such as Knoxville, TN; Asheville, NC; and Boston, MA. Currently, around eight months are left to complete the campaign.