N E W    A N D    E N H A N C E D
C A M P U S    F A C I L I T I E S

Donors have given generously as Union University strives to meet the $30 million fund raising goal for new and enhanced campus facilities. A number of important projects have been completed since Union launched the capital campaign, including the White Hall science building, Fesmire Field House and the Soccer field expansion. But there are additional projects that are crucial to the University's mission in the near future:

Pharmacy building

Union University will begin a Doctor of Pharmacy program in August 2008. Initial classes and laboratories will be conducted in Penick Academic Complex, but accrediting standards dictate the construction of a freestanding building for pharmacy. This facility will match the choice offerings in White Hall: state-of-the-art laboratories, technologically advanced classrooms and office space adequate for expansion of the program. Naming opportunities for laboratories, classrooms, office suites and the building itself are available.

Expansion of Germantown campus

Thanks to a generous lead gift from Carl and Peggy Jo Grant, Union University plans to expand the facilities at its rapidly growing campus in suburban Memphis. This vital location is home to a thriving continuing studies program for non-traditional students, graduate studies in business and education as well as several nursing degree programs. All of these areas have recorded dramatic enrollment growth since the Germantown campus was established. Union must prepare for much-needed additional classroom space, library facilities, office support and parking areas.

Residence Life Improvements

The growth of the student body in recent years calls for the expansion of the residential life complex. This includes a commitment to build a new residence hall every two years for the next decade. Union's popular intramural athletic program provides students with much-needed health and fitness benefits and a break from rigorous study schedules. To support this vital program, new lighted fields are planned, along with tennis courts to replace those that were removed to make room for the new soccer complex.

Art Village

When this work is completed, the art department will move to a location west of Jennings Hall, where several buildings would house offices, studios, and exhibition areas. This village setting would foster creative energy and provide a greatly improved atmosphere for art students. Union's art department is recognized nationally for its integration of faith and artistic excellence. The art village would provide facilities worthy of those high standards and attract more top art students from across the nation.

Soccer Press Box complex

Union men's and women's soccer programs now have two excellent fields on which to host home matches. But a press box, concession and rest room facility is needed to accommodate the university's growing base of dedicated soccer fans. This building would be similar to the baseball/softball complex at Fesmire Fields. This is an excellent naming opportunity in a high-profile location that is adjacent to Penick Academic Complex and U.S. 45 bypass.

E X P A N D E D    E N D O W M E N T

As the Vision for Excellence campaign begins, Union’s endowment stands at almost $23 million. While that is a significant increase over the total of a decade ago, it is still far less than the endowment funds of many of Union’s peer institutions – those with which Union competes for top faculty and students.

Why is endowment a critical component in the quest of educational excellence? Endowment funds offer the additional resources that can make the difference between competence and excellence. These funds are invested in perpetuity, and the income is used to provide vitally needed student scholarships, academic chairs, academic programs and lectureships. An additional $25 million, coupled with investment earnings in the next five years, could raise Union’s endowment past the $50 million level and help to ensure Union’s future of excellence.

S U P P O R T    F O R    O P E R A T I O N S

In addition to special funds for facilities and endowment, the University needs ongoing support for day-to-day operations. The average student who is paying full tuition is still paying less than half of the actual cost of his or her education; the rest must come from other sources, particularly annual gifts that help provide the margin of excellence.

The Vision for Excellence goal represents a significant increase in annual giving for operating support – an aggressive goal but one that will help Union move forward in hiring the best faculty, providing vital scholarships and financial aid for students, and maintaining an attractive and wholesome educational environment.

F U T U R E    V I S I O N    G O A L S

In addition to the near-term capital needs identified previously, the Union 2010 plan identifies future expansion opportunities that will be needed by the year 2022 in order to achieve the Union vision. While these items are not included in the goals of the Vision for Excellence campaign, they are long-term goals which may be moved forward if funding becomes available. Among these future goals in phase two of our work are: Learning Center — A stand-alone library would house current collections, provide space for expansion, and allow greater access to technological information in an age that demands it quickly. Athletics and Convocation Center — An arena potentially seating 4,000 for athletic contests and special events such as concerts, graduations, and the annual scholarship banquet. The event center could also serve the broader west Tennessee community by hosting conferences and other major events that draw visitors to our region. Addition to Jennings Hall — Although completed in 2001, this building is already operating at capacity. More classroom and office space is needed. A state-of-the-art performing arts center for musical and dramatic productions is a much-needed addition for our campus. Addition to White Hall — Phase two of White Hall could include additional classroom and office space for engineering, physics, mathematics and computer science departments.