What was publicly launched in February 2013 as a five- to seven-year challenge to raise $45 million has transformed Emporia State University and launched Hornet Nation — a community of dedicated and loyal donors.
“Now & Forever: The Campaign for Emporia State University” has already made a lasting impact on Emporia State and its students — raising not $45 million, but $58,034,736. It is the largest philanthropic movement in Emporia State University’s history. The total was announced at a celebration Saturday evening at Emporia State.
Beyond the dollar amount raised, the campaign has had a meaningful impact on students, faculty and staff.
New, generous professorships and scholarships are helping Emporia State recruit and retain scholars. Two of those opportunities include the Dr. John C. Rich Distinguished Accounting Professorship and the McPherson Family Scholars.
Andy Eleazar Renteria, chemistry and physics major at Emporia State, is one of the many students impacted by funds generated through the campaign. Renteria’s parents are working-class immigrants from Mexico.
“They have fought relentlessly through countless obstacles to provide financial security to my family, and they are unable to contribute very much to my education financially,” Renteria said. “But everyone deserves to go to college regardless of income.
“Scholarships from the Now & Forever campaign provide me with the security of knowing that I can focus on my next quantum mechanics exam or the chemical reaction going on in the lab without stressing about affordability.”
Newly renovated facilities provide contemporary, functional spaces and amenities appropriate for 21st-century students. Emporia State University student Moira Pyle, junior marketing major, said she, along with other business students, will benefit from a learning commons on the first floor of Cremer Hall.
“This renovation and innovative design perfectly describes the impression I had first received at Emporia State,” Pyle said. “This creates a sense of ease and availably of having all program and resources all on the same floor. Not only is this place more accessible, but the modern style is what all students will be greeted with as they enter the building. This is a major attraction to new students and families as they visit Emporia State.”
Welch Stadium renovations, including new Jones Field turf and running surface for Zola Witten Track, along with the Dennis Shogren Scoreboard were made possible by donors through the Now & Forever campaign. New softball stadium turf and creation of the Baxter Sports Medicine Center further complement the list of Athletic facility upgrades.
The Now & Forever Campaign has had a lasting impact on Kathryn Flott, elementary education major and Lady Hornet basketball player.
“I honestly cannot tell you where I would be right now if it wasn’t for Emporia State University,” Flott said. “Chances are, I would not still be playing basketball, because I wouldn’t have had coaches that believed in me like they do here. I am beyond grateful for what the generous gifts to the Now & Forever campaign have done for not only me, but countless other students as well.”
The wealth of opportunities that have already been created as a result of the Now & Forever campaign will continue to grow, as 40 percent of the total came in the form of estate gifts.
“We are grateful for everyone who has participated in this exceptional opportunity to continue Emporia State’s commitment to its current students, and those who’ll be learning here in the future,” said Emporia State President Allison D. Garrett.
About Now & Forever
Now and Forever: The Campaign for Emporia State University, set out with a working goal to raise $45 million through the most comprehensive campaign in university history. Determined to build spirit, camaraderie and a sense of pride in Hornet Nation, we decided to share our victories. By ringing Silent Joe during each celebration, we announce to the world that the Hornet Nation is Silent No More.