Columbus State sets another fundraising record
For the second straight year, Columbus State University has set a new record -- by a huge margin -- for one of its fundraising efforts.
In its 2015 fiscal year, which ended June 30, the CSU Fund collected $5.9 million, an increase of 20 percent over the FY2014 total of $4.9 million, which surpassed its $3.5 million goal. The CSU Fund helps support scholarships and programs throughout the university.
That news is part of the fundraising report CSU released this week as the university also updated its First Choice Comprehensive Campaign.
With $33.5 million raised through private funding in FY2015, the campaign has completed about two-thirds ($66 million) of its original $100 million goal. That was the number announced in March, and it since has increased to $106.15 million, targeted to be reached by 2019. The campaign includes projects designed to boost CSU's reputation to a higher level among regional universities, making it a favored destination for more students, faculty and staff.
CSU president Chris Markwood, who succeeded the retired Tim Mescon on June 1 after serving as provost and vice president of academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, said in the news release, "I continue to be amazed at the level of support that's shown for Columbus State University. When my wife and I were applying here, we were impressed by the partnerships that had been created and the story that was being told about how the university is a catalyst for community development. To see that reflected in a $33 million fundraising year is just fantastic."
The report listed the following additional highlights of CSU's fundraising in FY2015:
$19.25 million toward a goal of $25 million was secured for the new College of Education and Health Professions, which is being constructed in downtown Columbus on CSU's RiverPark campus at the site of the former Ledger-Enquirer building.
Columbus-based credit card and payment processor TSYS donated $5 million, including $4.5 million in startup costs, a professorship and scholarships to establish a cybersecurity center in CSU's Turner College of Business. The remaining $500,000 will be used for other CSU programs.
Upgrades for CSU athletics, including the completion of the Key Golf Studio on University Avenue ($3.5 million) and the new Burger King Stadium at Ragsdale Field, being constructed on main campus ($1.15 million).
Retired TSYS chief executive officer Phil Tomlinson, chairman of the CSU campaign, said in the release, "It is very reassuring to see this kind of response from donors when we outline our needs and talk about the impact that Columbus State University already has on this state. People are hearing our story and investing in our future in record numbers."
Tomlinson noted those record numbers include increased giving from faculty and staff. In 2011, 57 percent of CSU employees donated to the university; that figure is now 69 percent.
All of which prompts CSU officials to expect the positive fundraising momentum to continue in FY2016.
"The good news is that we are not starting over," Alan Medders, CSU's vice president for university advancement, said in the release. "So many relationships have been cultivated over the years, and more projects are already in the works. The tremendous support and successful year of giving is what allowed us to launch the public phase of the First Choice Comprehensive Campaign much sooner than we had anticipated."
Mark Rice, 706-576-6272. Follow him on Twitter@MarkRiceLE.
CSU FIRST CHOICE COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN SUMMARY OF PRIORITIES
COLLEGE OF THE ARTS
Bo Bartlett Center: $9 million
RiverPark Library: $2 million
CSU Fund (annual support for scholarships, performances, student travel, emerging needs, etc.): $2 million
TURNER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Center for Commerce & Technology addition: $8 million
School of Accountancy: $2.5 million
Professorships (TSYS School of Computer Science, Cyber Security Program): $2 million
CSU Fund (annual support for scholarships, Business Plan Competition, student travel, research, emerging needs, etc.): $2 million
Endowed student scholarships (TSYS School of Computer Science, Cyber Security Program): $1.25 million
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS
New building in downtown (former Ledger-Enquirer site): $25 million
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) teacher preparation: $3 million
Professorships: $2.5 million
CSU Fund (annual support for scholarships, student travel and research, Math Collaborative, emerging needs, etc.): $2.5 million
Endowed student scholarships: $1.25 million
COLLEGE OF LETTERS AND SCIENCES
STEM solutions: $3 million
Professorships: $2.5 million
Student research and learning lab corridor in Lenoir Hall: $2 million
CSU Fund (annual support for scholarships, student travel and research, STEM Camp, emerging needs, etc.): $2 million
Endowed student scholarships: $1.25 million
HONORS COLLEGE
Educational Activity Endowment: $8 million
Endowed student scholarships: $6 million
CSU Fund (annual support for scholarships, Tower Day, student research, international travel, etc.): $1 million
ATHLETICS
Tennis complex at Cooper Creek Park (CSU portion): $3 million
Athletic Performance Center: $2.25 million
Key Golf Studio and Golf Center: $2 million
Baseball stadium renovation: $1.15 million
Cougar Club (annual support for scholarships, travel, individual sports, equipment, etc.): $500,000
INSTITUTION
Servant Leadership Program: $5 million
CSU Fund (annual support for opportunities for distinction, technology enhancements, operational needs, infrastructure, training, conference participation, student travel, etc.): $3.5 million
Total: $106.15 million
This story was originally published October 9, 2015 at 3:19 PM with the headline "Columbus State sets another fundraising record ."