capital campaign
Athens, West Virginia • September, 2004
A TIME FOR CHOICES
Over 130 years ago, the West Virginia Legislature established Concord State Normal School to prepare teachers for the new state. In that time Concord University has evolved within the liberal-arts tradition and is known today as an institution whose high standards and strong traditions have produced generations of capable men and women for a wide variety of careers. Concord remains a vibrant institution because it has struck a careful balance between proven tradition and necessary change. Such an institution does not lightly consider changing a proven formula for success, however, it must periodically reassess its standards to assure its mission of service to each generation of students. Now is the time for choices. Once again we are at a crossroads in our history.
Points of Pride
Throughout its history, Concord has forged itself into an institution distinctive in Southern West Virginia and in the State, specifically---
·
Concord is the only public college or university in the country selected to participate in the prestigious Bonner Scholars Program.
·
Concord has ranked in the top three in peer assessment score among comprehensive colleges-bachelor’s in the South by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges for the past three years.
·
Concord was number 13 in a nationwide ranking by the Wall Street Journal
(10-03-03) of best undergraduate public colleges and universities for admission of their alumni to the nation's most selective graduate schools.
·
Three of Concord’s alumni are among West Virginia’s best-paid executives. (Charleston Gazette, August 8, 2004)
· Concord's enrollment is booming, having grown 36 percent from 1997 to 2001, compared to 3 percent growth for all state institutions. Enrollment went from 2,112 to 2,864 over that period. (Annualized FTE, FY97-FY01, Page 3, HEPC Enrollment Report, Fall 2001)
· Concord students are in demand by employers with 19.3 percent being recruited for their first job after graduation compared to a national norm of 12.7 percent. (American College Testing Program Alumni Survey, August 2001)
· The Concord social work program has been continuously accredited for 30 years by the Council on Social Work Education. (first accredited in 1974)
In addition:
·
Recent graduates were admitted to the following graduate schools: American University, Carnegie-Mellon, Case-Western Reserve, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Florida State, Georgetown, Harvard, Hollins University, Indiana State, Indiana University, James Madison, Marshall University, New York Film Academy, North Carolina State, Ohio University, Old Dominion, Stanford, Suffolk University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Delaware, University of Kentucky, University of Oregon, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, University of Virginia, University of Wisconsin, Utah State University, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Washington & Lee, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, West Virginia University, and William & Mary.
·
Concord enrolls students from 27 states and 15 nations. (2003-2004 academic year)
·
Concord University is one of two institutions (WVU is the other) in the state to receive a Ronald McNair Program grant.
·
Concord is a “best buy” at $9,188 for in-state students and $13,608 for out-of-state students. (2004-2005 rates for tuition, fees, room and board)
·
Concord offers more than 80 major and minor programs and features pre-professional emphases in dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, and physical therapy.
·
One hundred percent of Concord’s graduating pre-med students who applied to medical schools gained admission in 2004.
·
Concord’s teacher education majors are found in 16 states and as far away as Japan and Uganda.
·
Concord’s graduates are more than twice as likely to earn $50,000 as graduates of peer institutions. (American College Testing Program Alumni Survey, 8-01)
· Concord was ranked Number 52 of over 1,000 colleges in a nationwide survey of “most-wired colleges” by ZDNet. (ZDNet: College Guide: America’s Most Wired Colleges 2000)
·
Academic reputation and reasonable cost are two of the top four reasons students choose Concord. (American College Testing Program Alumni Survey, 8-01)
THE LIBERAL-ARTS IDEAL UNDER PRESSURE
In 1995, the Legislature of the State of West Virginia mandated a planning and budgeting process for all state institutions of higher education. These mandates required, but did not fully fund, large expenditures (such as an increase of faculty salaries to certain national norms). Colleges and universities were directed to make up any shortfalls in state funding (some $1 million a year for five consecutive years, in Concord's case) by cost cutting, new efficiencies, new partnerships, or new programs. For FY01-02, only 29.12 percent of Concord’s overall operating budget came from allocated State funds, compared to 45.87 percent in 1992.
As a publicly assisted state institution, Concord University recognized this mandate as a fiscal necessity and as an opportunity for the University to re-examine and improve itself. The University community developed a strategic plan that re-set priorities, defined new initiatives, projected new partnerships, and reallocated resources. More important, the strategic plan established provisions that reduced expenditures, achieved efficiencies of operation, and formed partnerships--all by the schedule mandated by the Legislature.
Concord increased its enrollment, far exceeding targets and at the same time admitted better-prepared students. Student retention was dramatically improved over the critical transition period from the freshman to the sophomore years. New interdisciplinary options and degree concentrations attracted strong enrollments. To achieve operational savings, the University entered into partnerships with businesses and educational organizations or out-sourced some functions where economies could be realized. Despite financial strains, Concord made priority investments in technology and met salary-improvement targets. This will continue.
Now, in its continuing efforts to reform higher education, the West Virginia Legislature has entered into a new six-year planning cycle that requires all public colleges to develop a compact to address state priorities established by the Legislature. Estimated costs of the new mandates far exceed the projected state resources that might be dedicated to higher education.
AT THE CROSSROADS
It is important to realize that the gains achieved since 1995 have not come without some sacrifices.
Economies, such as cost-cutting and increased workload, have resulted in strains on what the University does best. The liberal-arts values, which have made Concord so successful, must not be sacrificed for short-term economic savings. Concord University will foster beneficial change without compromising an educational process which has proven so valuable to generations of West Virginians.
Concord University is confident of its role contributing to the successes of West Virginia. But cost cutting alone will not prepare Concord for the role it must play. Major new financial resources are needed to sharpen our technological edge, keep our faculty in the forefront of their fields, attract and encourage the most talented students, and reach new constituencies with distance education. Much of this investment must come from the private sector: individuals, corporations, foundations, and others who believe in Concord's potential and in the role of public higher education in West Virginia's future.
Concord University, in an effort to assure its own future and its students' success, has initiated a capital campaign, “Concord at the Crossroads,” to build its endowment; to assure annual support for technology, faculty, staff, and student financial aid; to support the development of new programs and to construct vital facilities. The campaign seeks up to $25,000,000 in new resources over six years. This campaign will afford Concord the continued means to provide high quality education to its students.
Endowment: Today … and Tomorrow
Concord’s academic reputation has already attracted significant financial support, but the University must continue to focus on growing its endowment to meet its mission next year and in the years that follow.
Concord at the Crossroads Capital Campaign Summary
(Details on the following pages.)
ENDOWMENT............................................................................................... $12,500,000.
Scholarship....................................................................... $4,000,000.
Masters in Education.......................................................... 1,500,000.
Accreditation of the Business Program............................... 1,000,000.
Library/Information Systems.............................................. 1,000,000.
Faculty & Staff Development............................................. 1,500,000.
Honors Program (includes scholarships)............................ 1,500,000.
Entrepreneurial Program (includes scholarships)................ 2,000,000.
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT........................................................................... $3,100,000.
Annual Fund (Three Years)................................................. $1,000,000.
Departmental Needs............................................................ 2,100,000.
FACILITIES...................................................................................................... $9,400,000.
Renovate White Hall......................................................... $6,000,000.
Memorial Chapel, Archives, External Affairs ..................... 2,000,000.
Athletic Facilities................................................................. 1,400,000.
TOTAL............................................................................................................ $25,000,000.
CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES
ENDOWMENT............................................................................................... $12,500,000.
1. Scholarships................................................................ $4,000,000.
In order to sustain Concord’s success in attracting and retaining good students, the University must continue to expand its scholarship programs. Located in an economically depressed region of West Virginia, Concord provides educational opportunities that enable graduates to pursue careers and escape the bonds of poverty. Scholarships awarded on the basis of merit and financial need enhance these opportunities.
The Alumni Association also sponsors a number of scholarships, such as the Sue B. Everette Scholarship and the Teacher’s Educator’s Scholarship. The endowment of scholarships is a priority. The Association encourages gifts to its scholarship funds as a direct assistance to the growth and development of the University and its students.
2. Master’s in Education................................................. $1,500,000.
The lack of master’s level programs for teachers in Concord’s region is well documented and has a serious impact on teachers and students in the school systems. Concord’s master’s in education will focus on making classroom teachers more effective teachers. The program will improve teaching and learning in grades K-12. The $1,500,000 endowment will support faculty, student scholarships and program development.
3. Accreditation of the Business Program........................ $1,000,000.
This $1,000,000 endowment will provide for advanced study and professional development for faculty, scholarships for students, and others enhancements for the enrichment that will enable the college to attain accreditation for the fine business program.
4. Library Support........................................................... $1,000,000.
A $1,000,000 endowment will provide a stable source of operational funds to enable the J. Frank Marsh Library to select and provide first class information resources to support the research needs of Concord's students, faculty, and community.
5. Faculty Development................................................... $1,500,000.
Current levels of funding do not adequately provide for the professional development of faculty. Graduate study, scholarly activities and participation in professional activities are essential elements to develop and maintain a highly skilled faculty. This funding will assure that faculty will not be denied development opportunities due to a lack of money to support them.
6. Honors Program.......................................................... $1,500,000.
The Honors Program is an enrichment program. It strives to provide additional opportunities to students whose records of achievement and willingness to participate indicate an ability to handle the extra work and a desire to enhance their educational experience. Both the nature and the needs of the Honors Program stem from this mission.
This fund will provide an operating budget and faculty stipends, access to cultural and intellectual resources, and scholarship assistance for off-campus opportunities.
7. Entrepreneurial Program.............................................. $2,000,000.
Concord must meet the needs and expectations of its primary stakeholders, the students, while at the same time serving the economic needs of a broader community in southern West Virginia. This will be accomplished by the preparation and development of individuals to be more active in the economy as business owners. An entrepreneurship program is the means by which Concord will achieve this objective. Students can acquire the skills business leaders deem necessary, while being prepared for long-term career development with a baccalaureate degree. Simultaneously, students will be introduced to the components of quality entrepreneurship education to empower them to create a business or to develop the confidence to act upon future opportunities.
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT........................................................................... $3,100,000.
1. Annual Giving............................................................. $1,000,000.
Annual giving is the lifeblood of the University. This provides the dollars needed to fill unexpected holes in the budget, take care of a vital program, or meet the most urgent needs. Gifts to the Alumni Association as well as to the Foundation count towards this goal over the next three years.
Gifts to the Mountain Lion Club, which support the Athletic program, will be a part of this important objective.
2. Departmental Needs.................................................. $2,100,000.
Resources are needed for special educational opportunities that present themselves during an active school year. This fund will support these special needs that cannot be fully funded by the tight budget situation at the University.
The Geographic Alliance is one of these examples. Sponsored by the National Geographic Society, this is a statewide program to encourage and support the teaching of geography in the K-12 school Systems.
FACILITIES...................................................................................................... $9,400,000.
1. White Hall Renovation and Conversion
to Rahall Technology Center........................ $6,000,000.
The impact of technology on all aspects of our lives is ever increasing. In order for Concord to provide its students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be competitive in a global market place, the University must have student access to the latest technological developments. Conversion of White Hall, with the appropriate computer labs, classrooms, studios and other such facilities, will enhance technological capabilities. The facility, when renovated, will also support a business incubator and will provide support for economic development and good jobs throughout the region.
2. Chapel, Museum and Alumni Center........................... $2,000,000.
Long an objective at Concord, the facility, as it is envisioned, would also contain an archive and small museum of Concord University memorabilia. It would also contain, if fully funded, the alumni offices as well as offices of external affairs. A number of people have encouraged this project over the years, and it has been deemed worthy to be a part of this important campaign.
3. Athletic Facilities......................................................... $1,500,000.
This objective includes gifts that will expand the usage and revenue potential by enhancing the general facilities at Callaghan Stadium. The installation of an artificial playing surface will increase the usage of the facility both by the different organizations within the college as well as by the greater communities in the region. The upgrading of the press box would extend the opportunities to host regional and national events. Special guests enjoyment would also be enhanced. It would also contribute to the functional use by different groups such as the media.
The addition of lighting further expands the possibilities and potential usage of not only the football and track facility, but also the tennis courts and softball fields throughout the entire day by not only the athletic teams but also the intramural and community programs. Installing modern, low maintenance seating would enhance accessibility by persons with disabilities.
SCALE OF GIVING
Certain principles in capital fund-raising must be remembered in a campaign of this size. Eighty to ninety percent of the total dollars raised will be provided by 10-15 percent of the donors. Although the actual goal of the campaign will not be announced or determined until after the Nucleus Fund phase of the campaign is completed, the following is an appropriate scale for the gifts needed for a successful $25,000,000 campaign.
Scale of Gifts
$25,000,000 of Needs
|
Gift Size |
Number of Gifts |
Totaling |
Cumulative Total |
|
$ 5,000,000 |
1 |
$ 5,000,000 |
$ 5,000,000 |
|
$ 2,500,000 |
2 |
$ 5,000,000 |
$ 10,000,000 |
|
$ 1,000,000 |
4 |
$ 4,000,000 |
$ 14,000,000 |
|
$ 500,000 |
6 |
$ 3,000,000 |
$ 17,000,000 |
|
$ 250,000 |
8 |
$ 2,000,000 |
$ 19,000,000 |
|
$ 100,000 |
15 |
$ 1,500,000 |
$ 20,500,000 |
|
$ 50,000 |
20 |
$ 1,000,000 |
$ 21,500,000 |
|
$ 25,000 |
40 |
$ 1,000,000 |
$ 22,500,000 |
|
$ 10,000 |
60 |
$ 600,000 |
$ 23,100,000 |
|
$ 5,000 |
120 |
$ 600,000 |
$ 23,700,000 |
|
$ 3,000 |
200 |
$ 600,000 |
$ 24,300,000 |
|
Under 3,000 |
many |
$ 700,000 |
$ 25,000,000 |
HOW TO GIVE
Gifts to Concord University should be made through the Concord University Foundation, PO Box 1000, Athens, West Virginia 24712-1000. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 foundation, qualifying donors for tax benefits according to IRS regulations.
Gifts to the campaign may be made in cash or in pledges over a three-five year period. Gifts of stock or other assets, including life insurance, are accepted by arrangements with the Foundation Office. Information about deferred gifts, such as unitrusts, charitable gift annuities and bequests is also available through the Foundation Office.
For more information, contact the Concord University Foundation, 1-304-384-5317 or foundation@concord.edu.
NAMED GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
To recognize leadership giving to the University, Concord University is proud to name programs and facilities for those whose support makes these achievements possible. Named gifts are a testimony to the key role of philanthropic support in the life of the University. The following list represents a portion of the naming opportunities in the campaign. Further information may be obtained from the Office of Development.
Gift Opportunities
Naming Gift Opportunities
Naming Rahall Technology Center................................. $4,000,000. (Achieved)
Offices (15, gift per)................................................ $15,000.
Conference rooms (4, gift per).................................. $30,000.
Tech Lab................................................................ $50,000.
Naming the Chapel....................................................... $1,000,000.
Naming the Museum..................................................... $300,000.
Other Gift Opportunities
Library Fund................................................................ $15,000.+
Faculty & Staff Development Fund................................ $25,000.+
Named Honors Program................................................ $500,000.
Director of Entrepreneurial Studies................................ $500,000.
Departmental Program Designation................................ $20,000.
Alumni Office Suite..................................................... $500,000.
Development Office Suite............................................. $500,000.
Publications Office Suite............................................... $500,000.
Endowed Scholarships
Named Scholarships...................................................... $10,000.+
Honors Program Scholarships.................................... $25,000.
Entrepreneurial Scholarships....................................... $25,000.
Making a Gift to the Campaign
Gifts may be made in a number of ways and careful planning will ensure that both you and Concord will receive maximum benefits. As you consider a gift to the campaign, the following information may be helpful in understanding various giving options and their tax benefits.
Pledges
All gifts to the University made between July 1 and June 30 will be counted in the campaign. A campaign pledge may be paid over a period of time (up to five years) beginning any time during the campaign. Gifts and pledges of $5,000 or less are encouraged to be directed to the current unrestricted Annual Fund.
Outright Gifts
Outright gifts are generally the easiest to make to Concord. They are also the most effective because they can immediately be used for a range of current needs or donor-designated campaign initiatives. Gifts may be made by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard, or monthly electronic funds transfer. Gifts are deductible to the extent provided by federal and state tax laws.
Gifts of Appreciated Property
Stock, bonds, or mutual funds make excellent gifts to the University. Gifts of appreciated securities have the advantage of capturing the appreciation with no capital gains tax being paid by the donor. You are entitled to a federal income tax charitable deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of the gift. You may carry forward any unused deduction for five additional tax years if necessary.
If you would like to make a gift of appreciated securities held in an agency account, you may instruct your broker to electronically transfer the shares to Concord University Foundation, Inc.
Another way to donate securities held in your possession is to sign a stock power and have the signature guaranteed. Any official bank can provide this service for you. Mail the unsigned certificate and signed stock power to the University in separate envelopes.
Matching Gifts
Many employers will match gifts made by their employees or employees’ spouses. In some cases, the matching gift can be as high as a three to one ratio. ($3 for every $1 given by the employee.) Please check with your employer’s personnel office to find out their matching gift policy and what opportunities you may have to double your giving power.
Gifts of Life Insurance
Gifts of life insurance may be made in one of the following ways: 1) Designate Concord University as the owner and beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy. 2) Buy a new policy and designate Concord University as the owner and beneficiary. 3) Add the University as a charitable beneficiary to an existing policy.
Gifts of Personal Property or Collectibles
A gift-in-kind allows you to give personal property to Concord University in the form of real estate, books for the library, antiques, collectibles, or works of art. If the University can use the gift in its educational program, you may deduct the full fair market value. The fair market value is determined by a professional appraisal obtained by the donor.
Gift of a Legacy
By remembering Concord University in your will, you ensure our future work. There are several ways to make a bequest to the University in your will.
Life Income Gifts
You may make gifts in the form of charitable remainder trusts or charitable gift annuities. These gifts retain an income for you or others and provide substantial tax advantages. Life income gifts also are significant financial, tax and estate planning tools.
To learn more about the campaign, please call, write or e-mail:
Concord University Foundation, Inc.
1-304-384-5257
Facsimile: 1-304-384-6216
E-mail: foundation@concord.edu
PO Box 1405
Athens, WV 24712-1405