Building momentum
By Dan Digmann
CMU receives $800,000 challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation
The Kresge Foundation has offered to put its money behind the new Education Building.
But only if CMU supporters are willing to do the same before Jan. 1, 2010.
The Detroit-based private foundation recently presented CMU an $800,000 challenge grant, which the university will receive only if it can raise the remaining $2.1 million needed to reach its $7.5 million campaign goal. All of the $2.1 million raised must come as new private gifts, pledges and grants.
Receiving such a distinguished and highly competitive grant lends credibility to the project, says Michael A. Leto, vice president of development and alumni relations.
“It gives everyone a renewed sense of confidence and momentum,” Leto says. “It also makes those involved in the fundraising more focused and energized to work harder to reach the goal.
We are certain it will inspire many additional gifts in support of this marvelous facility.” he says
Qualities that captured Kresge’s interests
In addition to enhancing student learning and advancing the education programs, the facility will be the university’s first certified Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design building, incorporating unique sustainable design aspects such as energy efficiency and the use of recycled construction materials.
The LEED certification was among the qualities that interested The Kresge Foundation, says Rip Rapson, foundation president and CEO.
“Central Michigan University provides an accessible, quality education, especially for low-income and underserved communities, and has significantly improved its diversity profile,” Rapson says. “We are delighted to be supporting CMU’s first LEED-certified campus building.”
This marks the second time in six years that CMU has received a challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation. In 2003 CMU received a $600,000 grant after raising $1.9 million for the new Health Professions Building.
Construction of the new Education Building is on schedule for its planned September 2009 opening. •
Up to the challenge
Your help is needed for CMU to fulfill the $800,000 Kresge Foundation challenge
grant for the new Education Building. Contact Jeff Krebs, development director for the College of Education and Human Services, to learn more about how you can make a gift.
• 989-774-1554
• krebs1ja@cmich.edu
• www.ehs.cmich.edu
