Monday, January 29th, 2007
$4 million goal met at WSU-Lake Campus
Donation of $100,000 brings fund over goal
By William Kincaid
Wright State University-Lake Campus has achieved its goal of raising $4 million for a forthcoming renovation and construction project.
Campus officials this morning announced that Jack Schenking of Coldwater presented the university with a $100,000 check in memory of his first wife, Kathy.
Schenking's donation brings the campus' capital campaign total to $4,024,386, surpassing the original goal.
However, the campaign will continue with additional donations used to enhance the project. Donations will be accepted until the project is complete, planned for late 2009.
"We hope that with additional funds coming in, we can make classroom and technological improvements as we build for the future," Thomas Knapke, Lake Campus assistant dean of development, said in the press release. "We would love to raise enough money to add an architecturally exciting entrance."
Campus Dean Mindy McNutt this morning said officials want to create an inviting entranceway - something with a "wow factor."
She also said that groundbreaking of the renovation and construction project will be held sometime in October.
Officials first announced plans for an $8 million renovation project in February 2006. The project will include a new science area and 300-seat multipurpose center, in addition to classroom renovations.
This is the first major campus updating and expansion initiative in 25 years.
The construction project will increase the size of the campus by 12,200 square feet and include renovations to 27,860 square feet of existing facilities. Once complete, student capacity at the campus will be able to increase from 910 to 1,500.
The $8 million project is being funded with $4 million in state funds and $4 million in private donations. The biggest private donation, $2 million, was from the James F. Dicke family of New Bremen, and the multipurpose center will be named after the family. Celina Aluminum Precision Technology, another big donor, made a $250,000 contribution specifically for the science wing.
Schenking, who owns CW Service in Coldwater, said in a press release his wife had a teaching background and wanted to donate toward education. The Lake Campus' office information systems area will be named in honor of his late wife.
