Layout 3 - New England College

NEWSFROMTHEOFFICE OFADVANCEMENTThe past year has been a busy one for the Officeof Advancement as we increase our ability to advance theCollege through friend-raising and fundraising. TheAdvancement team has created connections foralumni and friends, supported our talented faculty,and raised the visibility of the College. With theCollege’s mission as the foundation for our work, wecontinue to seek opportunities to identify and serve thosewho share our commitment to investing in the mission thatcreates a creative learning environment where ourstudents transform themselves and their world.Our number one priority has been focused on re-engaging ouralumni. We have been planning events both here on campusand in a number of locations from coast to coast. These eventsare important in that they not only allow our alumni toreconnect with the College, but with each other as well. Ourtravel itineraries have allowed us to catch up with manyalumni across the country and we look forward to a timewhen we can plan a visit to your area.Speaking of events – the 2009 Homecoming is October 2-4.Check the College’s website for the schedule of events and wewill look forward to seeing you then!Although our initiatives have been many over the past year,there are several of particular note:GRANT-WRITING PROGRAMOur robust grant-writing program consistently issuesnumerous funding requests adding up to more than$1,000,000 at any given time. These projects supportthe work of our faculty, research initiatives, and campusimprovements.ALUMNI MATTERS!One of the projects that we are most excited about is themulti-faceted electronic communication plan that will allowalumni direct contact with each other and with the College.Through our own social networking site called,The covered bridgeunderwent extensiverenovation thisspring.“Alumni Matters!” alumni of the College will be ableto share personal interests and participate in a forumfor networking. Other elements include: an integratedplatform with Facebook; email marketing through themonthly In-Touch e-newsletter; an opportunity to update classnotes online; message boards; personalized alumni pages;online giving; and networking opportunities for career servicesand mentoring.FEDERAL APPROPRIATIONS AWARDThis year, the College was awarded $300,000 inappropriations funding made possible through theoffice of Congressman Paul Hodes (D-NH). With theappropriations funds, New England College will develop anon-fossil fuel heating system for a campus building.Although there are additional details to be determined, thisproject will allow the College to continue to move towardsits goal of a sustainable campus. The project is currentlybeing reviewed by the U.S. Department of Energy forrecommendations on the most efficient system that canbe implemented with the appropriations funds awardedto the College.Sustainability is an important element of the mission of the College. With thecommitment and support of various campus groups including our studentorganizedEnvironmental Action Committee, the campus-wide SustainabilityTask Force, and the NEC Department of Campus Operations, the Collegehas taken great strides over the past two years to adopt and implementenvironmentally sound initiatives and practices.COVERED BRIDGE RENOVATIONThe pride of the Town of Henniker and New England College, thecovered bridge underwent extensive renovation this spring. Thebridge’s roof was removed, roof trusses were tightened, and a second row ofstrapping, new fascia boards, and cedar shakes were installed. The restorationproject was the first major repair since the bridge was built 37 years ago.Constructed by Milton Graton and his son, Arnold, the bridge measures 136’7”in length and covers a 114’6” span of the Contoocook River. Using Ithiel Town’s1820 patent for lattice truss construction, Graton employed historic buildingtechniques in the construction of the bridge including the use of a team of oxento haul the framed trusses across the river. The covered bridge is one of 54 of itskind in the State of New Hampshire and functions as a walkway from theCollege’s main campus to the outlying athletic fields. It is also symbolic for theCollege’s students as they begin their academic procession from the bridgeduring their first year orientation and again, when they receive their degrees atCommencement. The project was funded entirely through the generous supportof alumni, foundations, local businesses, and friends of the College.ARTIFICIAL ATHLETICTURF FIELDThe public phase of an aggressive fundraisingcampaign to build an artificial athletic turf fieldon campus is in full swing. Not since theconstruction of the Center for Educational Innovationin 2001 has the College embarked on such anambitious and significant construction project. Over$1.2 million has already been raised toward the $1.5million goal and the Advancement Office is confidentthat the remaining funds can be secured throughalumni support as well as corporate and foundationgifts.The construction of the turf field sends a strong messageto our current students, prospective students, andparents, that the College is in sound financial shapeand has the ability to move forward with an importantcampus project. A competitive playing field will not onlyattract new students interested in varsity athletics, butwill appeal to those students pursuing recreational andwellness activities as well. The new playing facility willalso strengthen the College’s relationship with the largercommunity and allow NEC to host high school andNCAA tournament games.1516 | today FALL ’09