The University of Manchester is launching the public phase of a $45 million fundraising campaign, the university announced on Saturday. Funding raised through ‘Manchester Bold: The Future is Ours’ will support a variety of projects, including improvements to Winger Hall and Funderburg Library and a new wellness and sports performance centre.
Manchester have announced the public phase as part of their Homecoming celebration. The university says it has already raised $36.8 million in donations and pledges during its “silent” phase.
“We anticipate the future and embrace it with open arms,” Chairman Dave McFadden said in written remarks. “We see opportunities on the horizon and we are claiming them. Manchester Bold means we drive our mission and encourage students to discover the best in themselves.
The campaign allows donors to provide support in six different areas.
The university aims to raise $6.5 million for its New Initiatives Fund, which has in the past been used to launch traditional and accelerated nursing programs, as well as the Spartan Pride Marching Band.
A total of $5 million will be used for renovations to Otho Winger Hall, which was originally built in 1952. Manchester says the improvements will help students “develop their relationship with the arts and study subjects contemporaries such as graphic design and music technology”.
The university plans to use $6 million from the campaign to create the Sports Performance and Wellness Center, a multi-purpose indoor wellness facility. The center will provide more space and equipment for Manchester NCAA Division III student-athletes, as well as participants in intramural and recreational sports.
The Manchester Fund will receive $11 million from the campaign. The fund provides additional financial aid to students who have above-average financial need or are experiencing cuts in government aid. It also pays for repairs to college buildings, technology upgrades, and covers travel expenses when students need to travel to present lectures or when sports teams advance in tournaments, among other things.
The campaign will also provide $8 million to the university’s endowment fund. Another $5.5 million will be used for upgrades to the Funderburg library, although specific plans have not been described.
“This is an exciting time in the history of this institution,” said Melanie Harmon, vice president for advancement. “Our donors have been there for us since day one, and I’m confident they will be there for us with Manchester Bold. The need has never been greater and now is the time.
The campaign is led by Randy Brown, a 1987 Manchester graduate and managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Fort Wayne.
We’ll have more information on President McFadden’s campaign in Monday afternoon’s INside Edge newsletter.
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