(left to right) Joe Lesesne, Eleanor Chesnut Richardson and Bill Ranson

Erskine Trustees Get Behind Capital Campaign

The Gold Campaign is permeating every area of Erskine College and Seminary life these days – even the quarterly board of trustees’ meeting.

Riding the crest of Thursday’s successful kickoff of what is the most ambitious capital campaign ever undertaken by the institution, campaign co-chairmen Joe and Kathy Black appeared at Friday’s board meeting.

Joe Black announced Thursday that the school has already raised about $15 million of the $35.3 million goal, plus honorary co-chairmen Robert and Cheryl Moultrie pledged another $1.25 million for the Memorial Hall portion of the campaign. The Moultries will match another donation of equal value for the Memorial Hall.

Friday, Joe and Kathy Black expressed their enthusiasm about the fund-raising effort and the ability of the school to make the goal a reality.

“(Thursday) was one of the most extraordinary days,” Kathy Black said. “It was one of the most memorable days of our lives as a couple.”

Joe Black thanked the board for its prayers, its “thinking and doing.”

“Best intentions mean nothing unless we take action,” he said.

Black said the board has already provided 100 percent participation in the campaign, but now, he said, the game has started.

“The question is, ‘How are we going to play over the next three years?’” he said. “I challenge myself and everyone in this room – if we’re going to win this game, the board will lead it.”

The team that planned “Night Under the Stars,” the theme of the campaign kickoff event, was honored by the board and given a standing ovation.

“Everyone is so excited about last night,” Board Chairman John Moore said. “The team was just amazing.”

Erskine President Dr. John Carson said he was “pumped up” by the kickoff event.

“I was charged up by the wonderful program,” Carson said. “I’ve got high ambitions for what we’re going to do financially by December 31.”

He told the board that he plans to do his part, actively contacting individuals about contributing to the campaign.

“We’re going to turn up the jets and get this done,” Carson said.

Moore lauded Carson’s hands-on leadership and suggested to board members that they should follow the example of the Erskine president.

“If we’re going to make that goal, the next three months are critical,” Moore said.

The board also:

• Approved the concept of a plan for renovations at the seminary. The seminary renovations and housing needs are addressed by the Gold Campaign, but the estimate for the work has broken down into four parts: Bowie-McQuiston Hall connector/elevator; McQuiston renovations; Bowie Seminary first floor renovations; and Bowie basement.
• Approved a housing allowance be allowed for all ministers who qualify according to the IRS criteria for the faculty and staff of the college and seminary.
• Approved an endowment payout policy.
• Approved a planned gift management and investment strategy.
• Approved revisions to the donor gift policy.
• Authorized granting of degrees to students approved by the faculty for graduation in January 2004.
• Scheduled its next meeting Feb. 26-27, 2004.