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01.26.07
Erskine surpasses Gold Campaign goal
Erskine College and Seminary officials say more than $40 million has been raised during the Gold Campaign, meeting and surpassing the $36.8 million goal.
The largest capital fund-raising campaign in the institution's history came to a close Dec. 31, 2006 and was pushed to a successful finish by gifts during December totaling more than $3.4 million, according to retired vice president for development and Senior Philanthropic Advisor Lee Logan.
A significant part of the December push, Logan said, was the $2 million appraisal of Erskine's interest in the Drummond Center facility at Lake Russell and the state appropriation toward a political economy professorship.
The overall success of the five-year campaign, he said, is attributable to a number of people, not the least of which were volunteers who headed up the effort, as well as Erskine College and Seminary staff.
"I think it's been an extraordinary effort that has had a tremendous impact on the students of the institution," Logan said.
Erskine President Dr. Randall T. Ruble agreed.
"This is another momentous day in the life of Erskine College and Seminary," he said. "This was the most ambitious capital fund-raising effort in the history of the institution. That the goal was not only met, but also exceeded by several million dollars is a tribute to the generosity of Erskine supporters and those who led the campaign."
Ruble, who was named president in October, said he deserves little credit for the success of the campaign.
"I'm just fortunate enough to be president when the goal has been reached," he said. "The real credit goes to those who spent countless hours and dollars to make the campaign an 'extra gold' success."
Logan said the efforts of campaign co-chairs Joe and Kathy Black can't be measured.
"I can't say enough about the leadership of Joe and Kathy Black, (honorary co-chairs) Robert and Cheryl Moultrie and (campaign treasurer) Welch Bostick and sacrificial contributors like Joe and Nina Moss," he said.
Jan Westmoreland has served as honorary Memorial building chairman. Other campaign steering committee members, past and present, are Sarah Brice, Charles Carlisle, David Cathcart, Emmett Davis, Joe Lesesne, Wes McAllister, John Moore, Bill Patrick, Mary Lou Pearson, Jim Pressly, Mabel Purkerson, Gordon Query, Bill Ranson, Eleanor Richardson, Randy Ruble, Bill Simpson and Chip Smith.
Besides meeting and surpassing the goal, another key part of the Gold Campaign success story was the cost of running it.
Logan said about $617,000 was spent for campaign expenses, well within the budget established. About 3 percent of the amount raised for the campaign was spent on its operation.
"Normally 5 percent or below is considered phenomenally good," he said.
The Gold Campaign addressed a number of areas, including the Annual Fund. Contributors smashed that $5 million goal, pledging more than $8.6 million.
Construction continues on the centerpiece of the campaign, Memorial Hall, where a music and math addition is being built.
Close to $7.2 million has been pledged for that facility and $5.5 million has been pledged for endowed scholarships for college students.
Pledges totaling more than $4.3 million were contributed toward the Drummond Center and nearly $4.3 million has been pledged to the Seminary for scholarships and professorships.
About $2.8 million has been pledged for athletics. Other areas addressed in the campaign were the Erskine Building, the master plan and facilities management.
Officials are planning a Gold Campaign celebration on the evening of April 10, Logan said.
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