University president Dr. Tim Summerlin says, “Schreiner’s remarkably successful comprehensive campaign concludes at an auspicious time: the institution is preparing to celebrate 80 years of history and has just graduated its 20th baccalaureate class.

During the campaign, we made the transition from “college” to “university.” That timing is not coincidental.” Explaining the impact that campaign donors have had on the university, Summerlin said, “Our supporters have not only enabled us to surpass an ambitious fund raising goal, but they have also helped us provide facilities and programs that open up educational possibilities that could scarcely be imagined a few years ago. Great as our gratitude is, it can scarcely do justice to the magnitude of their generosity.”

The campaign provided nearly $22 million for four new buildings on campus: the Floyd A. and Kathleen C. Cailloux Campus Activity Center, the Elaine B. Griffin Welcome Center, the Robert Trull Math and Science Building, and Kathleen Cox Cailloux Hall, all of which are already in service.

A priority was increasing Schreiner’s endowment fund, which has grown by nearly $17 million since the beginning of the campaign. Among the many programs funded by the endowment is institutional financial aid, which makes a Schreiner education accessible to students whose families may have considered a private, church-related university education beyond their means.

Academically distinguished students, also, are awarded scholarships funded by the endowment. It supports priorities like Schreiner’s nationally recognized Learning Support Services program for students with learning disabilities, the Community Internship Program, undergraduate student research, and the Campus Ministry program.

Faculty chairs, named professorships, salary increases, a sabbatical program, and additional funds for research and teaching projects are endowed, as well, to enhance Schreiner’s ability to keep and secure recognized scholar-teachers whose presence will attract students, other shown scholars and external funding to specific disciplines.

Co-chairing the Campaign for Schreiner University were former students Peter Baldwin ’47 and Randy Roberts ’67. Baldwin says the campaign gave him a chance to prove a point about his alma mater. “Through this effort we have established that Schreiner is a worthy participant in the business of creating an educated, thinking populace. Schreiner is serious about the education of the whole person, and our mission is obviously endorsed by many.”

Roberts says he was motivated by his passion for Schreiner and what he sees it accomplishing in the lives of the young people who attend. “I don’t know of another institution of higher learning that does a better job of loving its students and its former students than Schreiner does.”

What’s next now that the campaign goal has been reached?

Summerlin points out that remaining priority projects are to complete funding for renovation of the Moody Science Building, performing arts spaces and practice rooms. In addition, the university will be seeking funds for the construction and renovation of an Education, Recreation and Athletic complex. Plus we have a long-term goal of building our endowment to $100 million by 2013.

“We are all the more determined to stay on the same course,” Summerlin said. “We must continue to build scholarship sources to ensure student access. We know what must be done to attract and retain a strong faculty. We are very aware of the programs and facilities needed to realize our vision of Schreiner’s unique educational role. So you will see us back at work just as hard to accomplish those goals. Our students and the world that they will impact deserve no less.”

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