Prestigious Kresge Foundation Grant aids in the funding

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 2, 2009 – Northwestern College broke ground today for a signature structure, the Billy Graham Community Life Commons, named in honor of the college’s second president. The ceremony included remarks by Graham’s two daughters, Gigi Graham and Ruth Graham, as well as other dignitaries and invited guests.

The Billy Graham Community Life Commons, a cornerstone project in the heart of Northwestern’s suburban St. Paul campus will provide new dining facilities, an expanded campus store, classrooms, study lounges, and student and meeting facilities, all of which will serve as a centerpiece of the college, providing students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests a vibrant community gathering space.

Northwestern met and exceeded its capital campaign goal in order to begin construction on the Billy Graham Community Life Commons. A total of $23 million was raised for the Envision Excellence campaign and of that total, $3.7 million was generated in the past 18 months—despite a weak economic climate. As a result, Northwestern College has been awarded one of its largest grants in its 107-year history, $750,000 from the esteemed Kresge Foundation. Northwestern College was the only educational institution in Minnesota to receive a grant from the prestigious Kresge Foundation in 2007 and was selected by the foundation based on its commitment to educating underserved student populations—non-traditional, first-generation and low-income students, and those from rural and urban settings.

“We see the new Billy Graham Community Life Commons building as a place where students can connect, build relationships, and be inspired both intellectually and spiritually,” said Alan S. Cureton, Ph.D., president of Northwestern College. “We are grateful to the Kresge Foundation and the thousands of faithful donors for giving us this opportunity, and in turn, allowing Northwestern to serve its students and the community.”

During the fundraising period, many donors gave increased gifts, and more than 700 new donors were added during the last 18 months of the campaign. Cureton stated, “We are encouraged by the generosity of our donors. It has been an extraordinary journey to witness this seemingly impossible miracle as Northwestern faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and the larger regional community as a whole came together to show their support and encouragement for this vital new campus center, the Billy Graham Community Life Commons.”

About the Billy Graham Community Life Commons
The Billy Graham Community Life Commons (CLC) building will serve as the signature community building on Northwestern’s campus. Named for the world-renowned evangelist whose Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) made its home in Minneapolis from 1950–2004, this structure will be the only building in the Twin Cities bearing Graham’s name.

The 70,000-square foot facility will house two levels to serve as a “family room” for students, faculty, staff and guests. Specific functions include the campus dining center, student lounges and study areas, office and meeting space for student organizations, campus store, prayer room, and more. It’s intended to create abundant designated space for people to connect, build relationships and stimulate spiritual and intellectual growth as the campus lives out its mission of providing Christ-centered higher education.

The building was planned in November 2007 as part of Northwestern’s Envision Excellence Capital Campaign for Student Spiritual Life. In addition to the community life building and manicured, functional green space, the master building/expansion plan does allow for future projects including additions for academic departments and the library, a bi-level parking structure, athletic improvements, and a visitor/alumni center.

For more information or to donate, visit www.nwc.edu/campaign.