President's Report 2007 - Benedict College

Strategic Direction 7
Financial Resources
TIGERS OF THE PAST…
LENDING A PAW TO THE PRESENT
Every year, Benedict College alumni the world over return to campus, amazed at the
tremendous growth of their beloved alma mater. Restoration and expansion projects
fill the campus, likewise the surrounding Edgewood community in which Benedict’s
neighbors reside. The handsome Charlie W. Johnson Football Stadium’s dramatic façade
greets these visitors, likewise the beautiful restoration inside Antisdel Chapel.
Finally and perhaps most importantly, they stop to interact with the promising students
as well as the outstanding faculty that are currently a part of the Benedict college family
and the collegiate environ. Members in both groups are winning national awards and
acclaim in areas of research, debate, the arts and sports. These noteworthy achievements
further point to a bright future for the College, the best is yet to come.
All of these assets, however, require financial stability to sustain such growth.
Alumni support, foundation grants and proper budgetary planning combine to
ensure that Benedict College continues the momentum it’s gained in recent years.
Indeed, the momentum is building. Due to aggressive fiscal management by
the administration, Benedict announced a $1 million budget surplus for 2007: a
dramatic change from budget concerns of years past. The College is also reducing
long-term debt through ongoing refinancing efforts.
TRUSTEES AND ALUMNI AGREE TO A $7,400,000
CHALLENGE OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS
The Benedict College Board of Trustees and the National Alumni Association
unanimously approved a $7.4 million Challenge over the next three years. Both
organizations have agreed to raise $2.0 million this year, $2.4 million in 2009 and
$3.0 million in 2010.
E-GIVING IS ACTIVATED
The Division of Institutional Advancement announced that all supporters of the
college can now make their gifts online at www.benedict.edu. Just click on
the Challenge banner and you are there! It is fast, simple and secure.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA RECOGNIZED FOR GIFTS TO
BENEDICT COLLEGE
Benedict alumna – Freeda Johnson, class of 1949 – was recognized by the Kresge
Foundation as one of the nation’s top donors to Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs).
The recruitment and arrival of Mr. Love Collins, III as the
newly appointed Executive Vice President for the Division of
Institutional Advancement, has added marked momentum to
the development and execution of a significantly enhanced
fundraising program. Mr. Collins has lead several fundraising
teams and three successful campaigns at other institutions
exceeding $200MM. Upon his arrival and after completing
an internal fundraising audit last summer, he has quickly
proposed a fundraising strategy that promises to enhance
private support in all giving areas. Overall fundraising results
are running ahead of where the College was at this time last
year. Mr. Collins will also lead the Institutional Advancement
team and Board of Trustees through a competitive Kresge/
UNCF Capacity Building grant program later this year.
Benedict College is a semi-finalist among nine other Colleges
competing for six $1MM plus awards to enhance Alumni and
Board giving.
Love Collins, III
Executive Vice President
Institutional Advancement
ENJOY CHARTER DAY - April 2, 2008 - WITH A TOUCH OF DISNEY!
Make your plans to attend our Charter Day gala on April 2, 2008. The College is pleased
to host Mr. John E. Pepper, Jr., Chairman of the Board, The Walt Disney Company. He also
is Co-Chair of the Board of National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. He has also
served as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of The Procter &
Gamble Company. Mr. Pepper also serves on the board of Boston Scientific Corp.
Mr. John E. Pepper, Jr.,
scheduled Charter Day
Dinner Speaker on
April 2, 2008
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