Union Expands Capital Campaign to
$60 million

With more than 80% of its original capital campaign already committed two years ahead of schedule, Union University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday, April 28 to expand the campaign goal set in 1997 from $35 to $60 million by 2005 – the largest fundraising effort ever initiated in West Tennessee and in Union’s history. 

The expanded campaign was adopted as part of a major five-year plan, “Vision and Values 2005,” and will serve as the resource base for a new overarching strategic plan which calls for new developments including expanded enrollment in quality and quantity in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Though the plan provides needed support for the success of the new Germantown campus, scheduled to open in September, it also calls for a renewed emphasis on traditional, residential, liberal arts undergraduate education on the Jackson campus.

“We are proud of the hard work Dr. Dockery and the members of Union’s administration and faculty have put forward in the last four years,” said Gary Taylor, chairman of the board, who took a few minutes away from the meeting’s agenda to specifically recognize Union’s administration, staff and faculty. “Their dedication and eagerness to serve day after day is the reason why this great university is becoming one of the leading Christian liberal arts institutions in the South.” 

Work has already begun on several of the projects included in the newly expanded campaign including Jennings Hall which will house the music, theatre and Christian studies departments, scheduled for completion in September. Also planned in this next phase of the campaign is the Science Hall, the Great Lawn, Bell Tower and the Athletic/Convocation Center, as well as renovations to the existing facilities. 

“With the expansion of the campaign,” said Union President David S. Dockery, “we will continue to build a quality Christian liberal arts university where men and women can be introduced to an understanding and appreciation of God and to humanity’s place of privilege and responsibility in God’s world.”