A successful fiscal year that ended June 30 helped Bluffton University to a groundbreaking start for 2011-12.

During the 2010-11 year, the university surpassed its goal of $30 million in gifts and pledges to Extending Our Reach-The Campaign for Bluffton, with nearly a year left to go.

The more than $30.5 million that has been raised to date during the multiyear campaign includes $14 million-plus for Bluffton's planned Health and Fitness Education Center (HFEC). Groundbreaking was celebrated on campus July 12, and construction is under way.

"Our current campaign total more than doubles any previous campaign effort and is a testament to the wonderful commitment of many alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, trustees, churches, businesses and friends who believe in Bluffton's mission," said Dr. Hans Houshower, vice president for advancement.

Gifts to the campaign also support academic programs, student financial aid and the university's endowment, including endowed funds for faculty research and student scholarships.

In 2010-11, contributions to the Bluffton Fund reached $1.1 million, marking the 10th consecutive year that annual support for operations and student aid has exceeded $1 million.

The $1.1 million was also part of total fiscal-year giving to the university of $3.7 million-about $1 million more than the previous year and the highest total since 2007.

"These gifts support the university's mission, programs and students, and provide the funds needed to construct new buildings like our Health and Fitness Education Center," said Dr. James M. Harder, president.

"We are grateful for Bluffton's many alumni and friends whose generous support continues to help the university deliver the highest-quality educational experience to our students, regardless of their financial need."

The 60,000-square-foot HFEC, to be located adjacent to Marbeck Center, will house space for the academic department of health, fitness and sport science; a weight training and fitness center for all students; a new arena for intercollegiate basketball and volleyball; a sports medicine center; athletics offices; and practice, intramural and multipurpose facilities.

Expected to open by late 2012, the building will also be the first on campus to be certified under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system.