Spirits soar at Building on Excellence capital campaign kick-off
More than half the $36 million goal already pledged
The banner showed $5 million.
“Is that enough?” came the voice from bullhorn.
“No!” yelled about 275 students, faculty, staff, administrators, supporters and community guests.
The scissor lift rose another few feet and the banner unfurled to $10 million.
“Enough?”
“No!”
The motor buzzed, the lift ascended further, passengers President D. Merrill Ewert and Sunny the Sunbird continued to wave. As the lift reached 24 feet in the sun and breeze above East Hall Green, the banner inched past $20 million.
“One more!”
“$20.2 million,” said the man with the bullhorn, and the crowd’s roar ended the quiet phase of the Building on Excellence campaign for Fresno Pacific University. The $36-million effort to build a fine arts center and School of Education Building, as well as increase scholarships, academic programs and endowments was very, very public.
The June 6 campaign kick-off was a morning of colorful balloons, rousing music and soaring spirits. The ceremony began in Steinert Campus Center with a fond look at where FPU has been and a confident view of the future. Throughout the 50-minute event ran affirmation of what the university stands for, who it serves and all who have made it possible. “We will succeed. With God’s help—and with yours,” Ewert said.
Among the speakers were co-chairs Larry and Paula Warkentin and J. Scott and Deborah Leonard. Larry Warkentin, emeritus music faculty, recalled hearing a student ensemble when he was 10 years old. “Without that outreach…the university certainly wouldn’t be what it is today,” he said.
Scott Leonard, CEO of Guarantee Real Estate, and others talked about how faith and knowledge transform students into professionally prepared and ethical leaders. “Buildings without people are just shells,” he said.
Faculty, staff and trustees have already participated in the campaign. Over the next year, the invitation will go out to alumni, foundations, the community and the region.
There is exciting work ahead. “Thirty six million dollars is nothing for God,” Scott Leonard said.
