JBU Receives $3 Million Challenge Grant from Windgate Foundation for Mayfield Renovation Project
SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (April 28, 2016) — John Brown University today announced a $3 million lead challenge grant from the Windgate Foundation for a new $6 million renovation project on Mayfield Residence Hall, the university's historic women's dormitory.
The challenge grant will match dollar-for-dollar donations to the project up to $3 million. The Mayfield Renovation Project is the newest initiative of JBU’s $125 Million Campaign for the Next Century.
“Mayfield has been a ‘home away from home’ for more than 10,000 women during its 52 years. This gift will enable us to restore and update Mayfield so that JBU can continue to provide an excellent residential experience for women on campus, an experience that encourages them to develop intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually,” said Dr. Chip Pollard, JBU president. “We are deeply grateful to the Windgate Foundation for this generous challenge grant.”
The renovation to the 247-bed facility is expected to begin in spring 2017 and be completed by summer 2018. JBU will entirely rebuild each of the resident rooms with high-efficiency LED lighting, sound-resistant construction, sinks, and new, modular furniture, which will allow residents to maximize and personalize their room. The renovation also includes: new bathrooms and plumbing; new furniture, equipment and décor for all of the common areas; a new HVAC system; and a modern fire suppression system.
“Mayfield has always been a place where young women starting out their adult life have found a powerful community of love and support,” said Erin Christner, resident director of Mayfield. “This renovation project will help make sure that this facility, where women will make lifelong friendships and learn God’s potential for their lives, will continue to serve students for decades and decades.”
Originally opened in 1964, the hall had one major addition in 1978 — the construction of a new wing increasing bed capacity by 100.
The project is part of JBU’s $125 million Campaign for the Next Century, which is scheduled for completion in 2019 during the university’s centennial. The campaign has five priorities: endowment and annual scholarships ($35 million), estate gifts for scholarships and program endowment ($25 million), endowment for academic excellence ($10 million), new and renovated facilities ($30 million), and program support ($25 million). With this gift, JBU has received over $78 million in gifts and pledges toward its $125 million goal.
For more information on the project, visit www.jbu.edu/giving/next-century/mayfield/.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Ranked No. 2 among Southern regional colleges by U.S. News, JBU enrolls more than 2,700 students from 42 states and 39 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 majors, with top programs including business administration, graphic design, engineering, construction management, counseling, teacher education and nursing.
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