Reporter autumn2010 -a - Franklin Alumni Network - Franklin College

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
OUR COLLEGE NAMESAKE, BEN FRANKLIN, WOULD
INDEED BE PROUD OF THIS INSTITUTION. BESIDES
SHARING A NAME,THE COLLEGE AND BEN HAVE QUITE
A BIT IN COMMON. Ben recognized the importance of having a
passion for life and learning, and that pursuit took him around the
globe, broadening his perspective and his influence. A leader by
example,Ben made significant contributions over his lifetime to the
field of science, the area of civic service and the art of diplomacy.
He not only built a distinguished reputation, he created a legacy.
With its mission of employing the liberal arts to prepare men
and women for productive, satisfying lives as leaders, professionals
and engaged citizens, Franklin College would surely have Ben’s
endorsement. Since its founding 176 years ago, Franklin College has
inspired thousands of graduates to go on to make a difference in the
world.And together with our alumni, faculty, staff and students, this
small, dynamic college continues to achieve big-time results. This
past fiscal year is no exception.
Among other activities, the Franklin College Board of Trustees
approved a three-year strategic plan, with three goals: Expand student
opportunities for engaged learning, leadership and professional
development, operate with and maintain fiscal integrity and make
improvements to campus facilities and services. With these goals in
mind, the board approved a Campus Master Plan, which involves five
phases that we believe will enhance student learning and services as
well as ensure steady enrollment and financial stability.
The capital campaign The Future Unfolds was launched to help
support the college’s vision. We are proud of the progress
made during Phase One, including the renovation of the existing
athletic field and facilities and the addition of an art studio.
With more than one-third of students involved in the college’s
Division III athletics programs, we are proud that the recently
dedicated Branigin Field at Faught Stadium will serve our Grizzlies
for many years to come. Work
remains in progress east of campus,
where the new Grizzly Park athletics
complex is taking shape with tennis
courts, a track and field facility, a
softball field, practice fields for
football and soccer and walking
trails. Work also was completed on
the new art studio.With the college’s
art major recently reinstituted and a
growing number of current and
prospective students voicing interest in fine arts, the studio is a
valuable addition to campus.
The construction of all the new facilities has been made possible by
the generous donations of so very many caring alumni and friends
of the college. Your generosity enables the college to continue
providing a powerful educational experience. Continuing support
of student scholarships through the Franklin Fund and direct
scholarship gifts also remain vitally important to Franklin to attract
and retain the outstanding students who come to our school
for their college education.
On behalf of the entire Franklin College Board of Trustees, I thank
each and every one of you who gave your support during the
fiscal year. The trustees continue to take very seriously their
responsibility to support and provide the oversight required to
ensure that Ben Franklin’s namesake institution continues with its
mission in perpetuity.We are grateful to have you as our partner.
Sincerely,
Susan Johnson DeVoss ’69
Board of Trustees Chair
franklincollege.edu/about FRANKLIN COLLEGE
18