Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s two-year initiative, “I Will: The Campaign for MVNU,” had a goal to raise $11 million. Through alumni and friends, the goal has been surpassed with contributions totaling more than $16.8 million.

The campaign began June 1, 2014, and ended May 31, 2016. Contributions impacted five separate areas that will further the university's mission of shaping lives by educating the whole person and cultivating Christlikeness for lifelong learning and service.

“I want to thank everyone who contributed to the 'I Will' campaign," said Henry Spaulding, MVNU president. "Your partnership with us makes it possible for MVNU to 'Shine Forth' into a broken world with a Christ-centered education. I also want to thank the development team for leading this effort."

The Seek to Serve initiative met its goal of $800,000, and funds go toward reviving the men’s and women’s tennis programs, with club teams starting in the fall of 2016 and a varsity sport in the fall of 2017. In addition, new tennis courts will be constructed on the west side of Martinsburg Road.

The Engage Education initiative with MVNU’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Programs had an initial goal of $740,000 and $275,989 was contributed. The funds were used to launch the Bachelor of Science in engineering (electrical and mechanical) programs, which wrapped up the second year of classes in May. Funds will also go toward revitalizing STEM facilities on campus in the School of Natural and Social Sciences.

Through the Support Success initiative, $372,212 was donated for the newly-constructed Center for Student Success located on the first floor of the Throne Library and Learning Resource Center on campus. Through donations and a portion of a Title III grant, the Center for Student Success assists students in their academic calling, vocational calling, and servant leadership with enhanced academic advising and mentoring, learning labs, extended instruction, and summer programs.

The Fund the Future initiative has made it possible for more students to pursue their education at MVNU with financial assistance in new endowed scholarships, as more than 94 percent of students require some form of financial aid to attend. Contributions received equal to 18 new endowed scholarships at $1,565,420, more than eight times the initial goal of $180,000.

The Sustaining Commitment initiative had an initial goal of $8,930,000 for annual sustainability and brought in $13,814,218. Gifts through The University Fund include giving to scholarships, WNZR radio, capital projects, athletics, campus ministries, educational budgets, and other projects that reinforce the academic and spiritual experience at MVNU.

--Mount Vernon Nazarene University