OLLU launched a historic, $55 million comprehensive campaign on Nov. 4: Higher Education, Higher Purpose. The largest campaign in university history aims to raise money for construction, preservation and scholarships to benefit current students and future generations.
One cornerstone of Higher Education, Higher Purpose is the renovation of Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel. Built in 1923, Sacred Heart Chapel was recently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Campaign funds will be used to restore the chapel to its original splendor and gothic beauty.
Other campaign cornerstones include:
- Construction of a $7 million state-of-the-art facility on West Commerce: The Center for Children and Family.
- Scholarships. Almost 100 percent of OLLU undergraduates receive scholarships or financial aid. Although students receive more than $15 million in scholarships annually, more is needed to educate the next generation.
- Capital improvements needed to preserve historic buildings and renovate learning spaces.
The campaign launched with a celebratory event of music, food and speeches last Thursday at the Sueltenfuss Library. A campaign video was shown. Board Chairman Paul Olivier announced that 85 percent of the campaign goal has been raised: $46 million. OLLU President Diane Melby, EdD, also spoke and granted interviews to local media.
“Higher Education, Higher Purpose will advance the mission of our founders, the Sisters of Divine Providence, and enable OLLU to prepare a new generation of leaders through the 21st Century and beyond,” Dr. Melby said. “The campaign will not only benefit students. Higher Education, Higher Purpose will impact area residents and the entire West Side.”
