Franklin College Meets Fundraising Goal
Franklin College has announced the school has exceeded the $10 million fundraising goal for its Campaign for the Sciences. The fundraising contributed to the construction and renovation of the 51,000 square-foot Franklin College Science Center on campus.
“We are extremely grateful to the many donors, including trustees, alumni, friends and organizations, who have been instrumental in helping us reach our goal,” said Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D., Franklin College president. “One of the most impactful was Dr. Margot Lacy Eccles. Her generous $2.5 million financial promise and matching challenge made prior to her death in 2012 was a substantial impetus to getting the campaign off the ground. The ripple effect that followed was game-changing, and we are so pleased the Science Center’s Lacy Labs will honor her memory and contributions.”
Minar says another impactful gift came from the Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Foundation made last January. The Branigin Foundation challenged the college to raise the remaining needed funding by May 1, and it would provide the final $225.000 to finish the campaign.
The project started in February 2012, with board approval granted in 2016 and ground was broken in May of last year. Phase one included a 21,000 square foot addition to Barnes hall, and phase two was the renovation of the Hall. The newly constructed portion opened last May, and the entire building was finished for use in January 2019.
The college will host a dedication of the Franklin College Science Center at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16.