By Amanda Bradshaw Sharpe
University Relations

MURFREESBORO – Chowan University celebrated a record breaking 2017-2018 fundraising year (Chowan’s fiscal year runs from June 1-May 31), a fantastic way to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the University’s founding.

This fiscal year, fundraising efforts, coupled with the love of donors around the country, raised more than $2 million across the board for numerous aspects of the University. Funds will be used for building renovations, scholarships, and new projects.

In addition, “in-kind gifts” range from new flags prominently displayed in front of McDowell Columns Hall, to care packages for mission trips, gifts of real estate, and even art and jewelry collections.

Dr. M. Christopher White led the University as President during these fundraising efforts and currently serves as Chancellor.

“I am honored to have closed my tenure as President with another great success for Chowan University,” he remarked. “As Chancellor, I look forward to working with the president and development staff to build relationships and secure major gifts that will further enhance the quality of education of our students.”

“As a private, non-profit university, Chowan does not receive state funds. This means every dollar raised in fundraising efforts is a significant contribution that has a direct impact on our students, faculty, staff, facilities, curriculum, and overall community. Advancement of the priorities of the University is made possible by the generosity of donors,” said John Tayloe, Vice President for Development.

The Annual Fund was one the year’s great successes. The initial goal for the year was to raise $135,000. Director of the Annual Fund Nick Khoury, who began his position in January 2018, was eager to take on the task.

“I have been part of the Chowan family since I was a student, and Chowan has a special place in my heart. I was eager to help with the effort of continued growth,” stated Khoury.

The hard work and determination of the development team and student callers, along with the passionate response of friends and alumni resulted in early achievement of that initial goal. By the last week of the fiscal year, the Annual Fund had scaled higher than anyone anticipated, exceeding $169,000. As momentum continued to grow with the outpouring of support, and in honor of the 170th anniversary, a challenge to raise $170,000 was issued and again surpassed. The Annual Fund closed the year with an impressive $173,135.76.

Khoury stated, “For the first time in history, we exceeded our goal by $38,135.76 all because of you, your excitement, and your love for Chowan.”

Funds raised are unrestricted and used to support Chowan’s greatest immediate needs.

The Chowan Christian Service Association (CCSA) also made remarkable strides. The CCSA helps students learn and serve in Jesus’ name through scholarship assistance and missions experiences. This year, the association surpassed their goal of $500,000 raised for the CCSA Missions Endowment. Between the Missions Endowment and Scholarship Fund more than $1.87 million has been raised in only 12 years. This resulted in the charge to set a new goal of raising over $2 million for the endowments, jointly.

This year alone, the CCSA provided 17 students with scholarships. The Missions Endowment helped student missions fellows travel to Red Springs, NC, to serve those displaced by Hurricane Matthew; to Santa Clara, Cuba, to help Cuban Baptists build the region’s first seminary; and to Portland, Maine, to serve people experiencing homelessness. Each donor makes it possible to sow so much good in the world.

Dr. Kirk E. Peterson, Chowan University President, stated, “It is an exciting time to return to the Chowan community. The passion and commitment of alumni and friends is remarkable. I am eager to continue to build on the momentum created by the alumni, friends, and donors who believe in the mission and vision of Chowan University. We have accomplished so much already, and even more is on the horizon.”

For more information on ways to support Chowan, contact the Office of Development at 252-398-1233.