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Kresge Science Initiative within $71,000 of funding goal
November 24, 2004 | |||||
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KOKOMO, Ind.—With one month to go in an 18-month campaign, Indiana University Kokomo is very close to realizing funding of new equipment for science classes and a permanent endowment to keep such equipment up-to-date. As of November 22, donors have pledged $396,927 to the campus’ Kresge Science Initiative. That leaves $71,073 to be raised by December 31. “Given current pledges and anticipated gifts, we are confident that IU Kokomo will attain and exceed its $468,000 goal,” said Jack Tharp, Ed.D., acting vice chancellor for external relations. “We are grateful to all who have made a commitment to this project and to the many volunteers who helped with solicitations.” IU Kokomo initially started raising funds in 2000 to replace aging science equipment and acquire instruments for new programs in chemistry and radiography, Tharp said. In 2002, the campus learned that the Kresge Foundation of Troy, Mich., would provide a 1:3 match grant (one dollar for every three dollars raised by the institution) to support IU Kokomo science instruction. Kresge approved a $234,000 grant in June 2003, with the stipulation that IU Kokomo raise $468,000 to establish an equipment endowment, in addition to the funds secured for equipment. Prior to the Kresge challenge, the campus had already raised $250,000 for science equipment. “All total, this is a $935,000 campaign, with the Kresge grant equaling 25 percent of the complete project costs,” said Tharp. “When Kresge fulfills its commitment, the campus will use half of the grant for much needed equipment, and the other half will go to the endowment. IU Kokomo has no similar endowments for instructional equipment, Tharp said. “We have several student scholarship endowments, the largest being about $240,000.” Businesses and individuals “who understand the value of Indiana University Kokomo to the region” have provided a significant amount of the support for the Kresge Science Initiative, according to Tharp. “These donors also understand that science undergirds the preparation of many professionals, particularly those entering health care, who will live and work in surrounding communities. “I believe the Kresge campaign embodies the tenets of economic development, which is a priority for north central Indiana,” he added. A distinctive aspect of the campaign, according to Susan Kinsella, director of annual giving, has been selective contact with hospitals, physician associations, and practicing professionals. Organizations, such as the Howard County and Miami County medical associations and Logansport Memorial Hospital, have not only pledged donations to the campaign but have also challenged their members or employees to give, by matching those individuals’ donations up to specified maximum levels. Kinsella noted that another unique dimension of the project is the extensive volunteer structure. Fundraising committees were organized in Cass, Grant, Howard, Miami, and Tipton counties. “Collectively, these volunteers have accounted for 20 percent of the gifts to the endowment goal,” Kinsella said. Tharp and Associate Professor of Biology Michael Finkler, Ph.D., will be speaking about the Kresge Science Initiative and its promise for science education Friday, December 3, in a 3:30 p.m. interview on WIOU Radio (1350AM). For more information regarding volunteering or gifting for the Kresge Science Initiative endowment project, contact the IU Kokomo Office of External relations at (765) 455-9415.
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