From Vision to Construction: Building Fund Raising Success ALADN Conference March 24, 2003

Facts about Furman Founded in 1826 Liberal arts college – “very selective” 2900 students 95% of undergraduates live on campus 200 faculty Located in Greenville, South Carolina

From Vision to Construction: Building Fund Raising Success Overview of Project Building highlights Chronology

Building Highlights 52,000 square feet of new space 70,000 square feet of renovated space 24 group study rooms 900 seats Multimedia Commons & Help Desk 24-hour study and computing area

More Building Highlights Wireless network access Laptop check-out Center for Collaborative Learning and Communication (CCLC) Education Curriculum Center Leisure reading and study areas

From Vision to Construction Planning Phases Programmatic 1998 – 1999 Architect selectedSpring 1999 Schematic Spring 1999 – Fall 1999 FundraisingFall 1999 – Fall 2000

From Vision to Construction Continued Chronology of Project Design development Fall 2000 – Spring 2001 Contract awarded March 2002 Groundbreaking ceremony May 2002 Construction begins June 2002 Project complete Fall 2004

Forever Furman Campaign Facts Goal - $125 million Quiet phase 1996 – 1999 Public phase $200.5 million in commitments From 35,000 donors $53.6 million in new campus facilities

James B. Duke Library Expansion and Renovation $23.8 million in gifts and pledges $9.5 million from the Duke Endowment $6 million $2 million Several $1 million

From Vision to Construction Fundraising Milestones The Duke Endowment - $9.5 million Rinker Challenge The Charlie Peace Wing “Charlie’s Challenge” Other naming gifts

Words of Advice Not enough to have a noble cause People need to be convinced “We fit Furman’s plans into people’s hopes and dreams” Fundraising volunteers must take ownership

Most Effective Publication “Just in time” Tailored to donor Case statement Continually updated Delivered in person

Library Director’s Role Demonstrate the need Create the vision Communicate the vision Plan the building Participate in fundraising opportunities

Demonstrating the Need The James B. Duke Library Building Project Why?

James B. Duke Library Facility Inadequacies Insufficient seating No group study rooms No 24-hour study area No computer facilities for writing papers No hands-on library instruction room

Comparison with Peers Percentage of Students Seated Davidson- 40% Trinity- 40% Washington & Lee - 34% Wake Forest - 23% Furman - 13%

James B. Duke Library More Facility Inadequacies Substandard –Lighting –Air circulation –Fire escape routes –Office space for librarians and support staff –Space for archives and special collections –Faculty carrels

Building Highlights 52,000 square feet of new space 70,000 square feet of renovated space 24 group study rooms 900 seats Multimedia Commons & Help Desk 24-hour study and computing area

More Building Highlights Wireless network access Laptop check-out Center for Collaborative Learning and Communication (CCLC) Education Curriculum Center Leisure reading and study areas

Artist Renderings East exterior (front) West exterior North exterior North interior

The Future Library will be… A place conducive to collaboration & contemplation A place that fosters engaged learning The hub of intellectual life on campus Deeply digital and enduringly physical

From Vision to Construction Communicating the Vision Vision for the Future of the Furman University Libraries The Case for the James B. Duke Library Telling “the story” at every opportunity Forums for students and faculty Presentations to Trustees, Advisory Council, Parents Council, Alumni Council, etc. Lots of “good press”

Library Building Project Information Building project information Up-to-Date Library Conditions

Role of the Library Director How important is the participation of the Library Director in fund raising for a building project? Answer: Absolutely critical.

Lessons Learned (thus far) Ask “experienced ones” for advice Be ready and willing to speak to groups Don’t be discouraged with setbacks Forge good relationships with your Development Office

From Vision to Construction: Building Fund Raising Success ALADN Conference March 24, 2003

Back