A successful fundraising year that ended June 30 helped Bluffton University achieve annual financial objectives and move forward with construction of a new, 60,000-square-foot building.
During the 2011-12 year, the university achieved a 15 percent increase in giving to the Bluffton Fund, surpassing its fundraising goal and providing the university with increased gift revenue for annual operations and student financial aid.
Contributions to the Bluffton Fund reached more than $1,150,000 and were part of total fiscal-year giving to the University of more than $3.1 million. This is the second consecutive year that total giving has been above $3 million.
"Every year, Bluffton's mission, programs and students benefit from the generosity of our loyal community of alumni, friends, parents, businesses and organizations. During a time when giving to higher education nationally has been trending down, I am especially grateful that our donors could help us surpass our annual-fund goal," said Dr. Hans Houshower, vice president for advancement.
During the year, the university also named the Sommer Center for Health and Fitness Education to recognize the Sommer family of central Illinois for their lead gift to the university's current capital project. Ted '41 and Jo (Conrad '44) Sommer and their sons, Steve '73 and Jim '68 and his wife Susan (Lehman '68), have maintained a supportive relationship with the university as students, athletes, alumni and parents, and through board service and significant financial support.
In addition to the Sommer family, many alumni and friends helped fully fund the $14.5 million cost of the new facility that is scheduled to open in late fall 2012.
"Bluffton is deeply appreciative of the Sommer family's transformative gift that allowed us to move forward with construction of a much-needed building project that will enrich our educational program for years to come," said Dr. James M. Harder, president. "This building and another successful fundraising year contribute positive momentum as we prepare for the 2012-13 academic year."
The building will house space for the academic department of health, fitness and sport science; a weight training and fitness center for all students; an intercollegiate basketball and volleyball court; a sports medicine center; and practice, intramural and multipurpose facilities.
In addition, the building is expected to be the first on campus to be certified under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.