With your help, it's going to happen very, very soon.
Judson Laipply '98-of online "Evolution of Dance" fame-and fellow alumni Ginny Buckingham '10, Tyson Goings '01, Daryl Dowdy '90 and Lou Stokes '73 recently descended upon Bluffton University's Founders Hall for a video shoot promoting the final push for funds for the new Health and Fitness Education Center on campus.
In a slightly exaggerated manner, the video shows varsity and intramural athletes, fans and musicians sharing space in Founders Hall. Along with being the home for varsity basketball and volleyball, Founders serves as the venue for academic presentations, large music performances and the May Day musical. View the video at www.bluffton.edu/reach/txt/
Once completed, the new center will house academic space, a weight and fitness center for all students, the arena for varsity basketball and volleyball, practice facilities and a sports medicine center.
"With more than $29.3 million in gifts and pledges, including gifts of more than $300,000 to the Health and Fitness Education Center project in April, we are closing in on all our campaign goals," said Dr. Hans Houshower, Bluffton's vice president for advancement. "Your text gift or any gift can truly make a difference at this time."
The video also launched a text-to-give campaign to support the construction. Anyone with a cell phone can send a $10 donation to Bluffton by texting BLUFFTON to 52000. Gifts are paid through monthly cell phone bills. Messaging and data rates may apply.
Julia Szabo, director of alumni relations and annual giving, said, "Many people use their cell phones now for everything-checking email, viewing video clips and making charitable gifts via text messaging. Bluffton can now reach alumni where the alumni conduct their lives."
