The time is NOW: OKWU launches sweeping $68M fundraising campaign

Kim Archer, Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
·2 min read
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Oklahoma Wesleyan University President Jim Dunn announced Friday a sweeping effort to raise $68 million by 2030 for scholarships, endowments, upgrades to current facilities and a new multipurpose athletic facility with additional classrooms.

“We believe in the next generation, and the mission of Oklahoma Wesleyan is to educate, equip and send leaders to transform the world for Jesus Christ,” Dunn said. “There have been many faithful, significant donors helping OKWU become what she is today. The financial investment of the NOW Campaign will secure the future of Oklahoma Wesleyan University for decades to come.”

OKWU got a head start on its NOW fundraising campaign with a $4 million gift from Robert and Joyce Campbell, who have been dedicated supporters of the university for decades. The initial money will fund scholarships and campus improvements, with $500,000 for the Dr. Ted Suffridge Professorship. The Campbells hope their initiative will encourage others to contribute to the goal of fully funding the $2 million endowment.

The endowment honors the legacy of service of Dr. Ted Suffridge, who served as professor of chemistry, mathematics and physics at Miltonvale Wesleyan College from 1956-62 and 1966-67.

OKWU's primary NOW campaign initiatives are the Eagle Campus Expansion, Campus Renaissance and the university’s endowment:

  • The Eagle Campus Expansion is a $20 million project that includes a multipurpose facility for athletics in addition to more classroom space. More information is available at https://www.okwu.edu/give/eaglecampus.

  • The Campus Renaissance of $18 million will include improvement and upgrades to currently existing classrooms, residential life facilities and campus buildings.

  • The OKWU endowment goal of raising $30 million will generate scholarships that make OKWU more accessible and affordable for students, while professorships allow the university to recruit and retain highly qualified professors who bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom while living out the university’s mission.

Additionally, Dunn outlined the vision for a $1 million annual fund to secure OKWU’s yearly operating budget.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: OKWU launches sweeping $68 million fundraising campaign