Rural College Poised For Growth
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe new president of Ancilla College says two campus projects totaling around $6 million will help attract students “that would not ordinarily come here.” The work includes the first residence hall on the Donaldson campus and a student life center. Ken Zirkle says the new on-campus options and a recently announced tuition freeze can help expand the school's recruiting footprint. Potential new target markets could include Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Detroit.
Zirkle says even when room and board rates are considered, Ancilla will still be the lowest-priced private school in Indiana.
Source: Inside INdiana Business
February 23, 2015
News Release
DONALDSON, Ind. – Join Ancilla College in its new adventure 4 p.m. March 10 on 9B Road to witness groundbreaking on two buildings.
“It's going to be beautiful,” said President Ken Zirkle. “We will house nearly 100 new students and have a student life center with dining open to the public. It's a great time to be at Ancilla College.”
Building plans, managed by Michael Kinder and Sons, Inc., of Fort Wayne, will include three stories of double rooms with full bathrooms. Additionally, there will be a two-story open lobby with fireplace, meeting rooms and a prayer room. The $6 million project also includes a 150-person capacity student life center and dining facility with coffee bar, fireplace and fitness center.
The buildings are on schedule for an Aug. 1 opening, Zirkle said. “Ancilla College has long been the best deal in the state but now we’ve sweetened the deal.”
Room and board will be frozen for two years at $8,500, which includes a meal plan. This rate is better than most colleges in the state.
The opportunity to expand Ancilla's enrollment and build a learning community on campus has enthusiastic supporters across campus but maybe none more than vice president of enrollment management Eric Wignall. “It's incredible. Ancilla College can now open its doors even further, to more students, and to people from across the country. And we are truly a great deal for students. We were already the lowest cost private college in Indiana, but we've managed to keep a full year of full time tuition plus room and board under $23,000,” Wignall said. “That's less than the tuition-only cost of most private colleges in the United States. Ancilla students can get an associate degree in any of our 17 academic programs, play on one of our 10 athletic teams and live on campus for less money than any other independent college in the state,” he said.
Vice President of Development, Todd Zeltwanger, said Ancilla College will be conducting a room naming fundraising campaign for the two buildings. More information will be forthcoming in the new future.
Zirkle said the buildings will have keyless entry and 24-hour security. “This is a beautiful, safe campus with gorgeous historic buildings, a lake and an art center. I would have sent all five of my daughters here if it had been possible back then,” he said.
Wignall said, “Students can apply for housing online at the college's website: www.ancilla.edu. Room reservations are first-come, first-served with preference given to freshman. If you have questions about living here next year, just call 1.866.ANCILLA!”
Ancilla College (www.ancilla.edu), part of The Center at Donaldson, offers 17 associate degrees and 10 athletic programs. Since 1937, the College has been a sponsored ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. It is a small, private, liberal arts school in Donaldson, Indiana. It is located two miles south of U.S. 30 on Union Road near Plymouth, Indiana.
Wignall said, “Students can apply for housing online at the college's website: www.ancilla.edu. Room reservations are first-come, first-served with preference given to freshman. If you have questions about living here next year, just call 1.866.ANCILLA!”
Source: Ancilla College