Centenary College's Capital Campaign Reaches a Successful Conclusion

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 8, 2010, Centenary College honored the donors and benefactors of The Campaign for Centenary College for their part in bringing The Campaign to a successful conclusion with the "A New Star is Rising" celebration at Centenary's David and Carol Lackland Center. The Lackland Center, the capstone of The Campaign, opened its doors this fall, making this building a new focal point of the College.

The College reached a significant milestone, having raised just under $50 million for the Hackettstown-based institution during Phase II of The Campaign, which ran from 2006 to 2010. Added to $15.5 million raised in Phase I (1999 to 2001), and the College boasts total philanthropic giving of more than $65 million in the past 11 years.

"This accomplishment was made possible by the dedication and hard work of the Campaign Steering Committee, Centenary Trustees and our many donors," says Virginia N. Littell, Chairman of The Campaign for Centenary College. "Over the course of Phase II, enrollment increased about 30 percent and Centenary programs have received national accolades. This is an exciting time for the College."

The Campaign for Centenary College raised funds for the new David and Carol Lackland Center, a cultural hub for the region; the expansion and renovation of the John M. Reeves Student Recreation Center and the creation of the Zeitler Wrestling Facility; the establishment of the Institute for Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Education (ILEESE); footing for Centenary's Equine Center's indoor riding arena; scholarships; academic program development; and technology.  

The David and Carol Lackland Center was made possible by a lead gift from Centenary alumna Carol Burgess Lackland, a member of the Class of 1954 and a Centenary College President's Circle Member, and David A. Lackland, a College Trustee. It is a 68,000-square-foot building that provides a home for the Centenary Stage Company, WNTI 91.9 FM radio station and CCTV Channel 23 television station. It also houses a 485-seat theater named the Sitnik Theater; the Edith Bolte Kutz '42 Theater, which is a black box theater; a 400-seat dining hall; a 55-seat cafe; a dance studio; as well as classrooms, offices, meeting spaces and lounges.

"Centenary is an institution that has grown with the times," says Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, Centenary College President. "Our students benefit from experiential learning and are well-prepared for professional and educational challenges when their academic journey with us is completed."

The "A New Star is Rising" celebration featured a student production of scenes from Godspell and a performance by Broadway actress Kate Shindle, Miss America 1998.  

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary College's academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation.

PHOTO: http://www.ereleases.com/pic/Centenary-Campaign.jpg

CAPTION: Pictured from L to R are follows: Arden Davis Melick '60, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Centenary College; Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite, Centenary College President; David A. Lackland, Centenary College Trustee; Carol Burgess Lackland, a member of the Class of 1954 and a Centenary College President's Circle Member; and Virginia N. Littell, Chairman of The Campaign for Centenary College.

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Centenary College