Edward Waters College News July 17, 2012 EWC Meets $2 Million Goal for the Michael and Kim Ward Foundation's $1 Million Challenge Grant Edward Waters College is excited to announce it has met its $2 million goal toward the $1 Million Challenge Grant issued by the Michael and Kim Ward Foundation. The challenge, which was issued in Nov. 2011, pledged to match $1 for every $2 EWC raised for capital improvements by June 30 - up to $1 million. On June 26, EWC surpassed its $2 million goal in gifts and pledges; and the College has already initiated nearly $1 million in projects to ensure the campus will be noticeably transformed for the students, faculty and staff by the start of the fall semester. A large percentage of the funds will be allocated to improving student life, such as renovating four dormitories, the student union building, the library, classrooms and labs. Another large percentage will be allocated for improving energy efficiency and making structural enhancements to several of the College's historic properties, such as Centennial Hall, which houses a library, and the administration building, which contains numerous offices and the Chapel. "We are tremendously grateful for Michael and Kim Ward's generous gift of $1 million to Edward Waters College," said President Nathaniel Glover. "This $3 million, in total, will greatly improve the quality of our facilities and grounds, and we are thankful to all the donors who helped us reach our $2 million goal." Improving the look and quality of the campus has been a high priority for Glover since he took office in May 2010. Since then, he has led the renovation of two locally-recognized historic properties on the campus: The Polly Brooks House, which contains the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and the Susie E. Tolbert House, which contains an A. Philip Randolph exhibit and other historical relics. "It has always been my intention to put the students first. I believe Michael and Kim Ward understood and agreed with my position, and that prompted them to initiate one of the most meaningful fundraising initiatives in Edward Waters College's history," said Glover. Other major campus projects in the pipeline include the construction of a $2.6 million police sub-station, which will contain classrooms and a lab for criminal justice students, and a health disparities prevention center, which will also contain a research lab and classroom. "This truly is an exciting time to be at Edward Waters College," Glover stated. "For us, being able to raise a total of $3 million in just seven months is an indication that our vision is supported by the greater Jacksonville community, and that Edward Waters College is truly on the rise." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.