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CAR. COLLECTION
THE LIBRARY UNC-CH
CHAPEL HILL NC 27 514
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Belmont Abbeij Collese
VOLUME V, Number Three
BELMONT, NORTH CAROLINA 28012
FEBRUARY, 1977
Centennial Fund - A HUGE SUCCESS
BELMONT LINA 28012
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BELMON , ALUMNI „ial
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$1.12 million in pledges to
he collected over four years
List of Contributor’s on page 8
RESULTS OF THE BELMONT Abbey College Centennial Cam
paign bring smiles to faces. Discussing the campaign’s success are
from left, James G. Babb, co-chairman for Mecklenburg County:
E.F. Gallagher, campaign advisory cabinet chairman; Fr. John P.
Bradiey. president of BAC, and R.F. (’aidweil. co-chairman for
Meckienburg County.
The Belmont Abbey College Centennial Campaign was
a huge success.
What began with a modest goal of $750,000 resulted in a
total pledged of $1,120,800, with additional funds coming
in daily.
Initially, the campaign began when the faculty and
staff of Belmont Abbey College were contacted and
overwhelmingly responded to the need by pledging over
$41,750. One hundred percent of secretarial and
maintenance personnel made pledges. A substantial
portion of staff and faculty supported the college in the
campaign. The monastery added to the total with a
pledge of $27,500.
Members of the college’s Board of Trustees and their
corporations, and members of the Board of Advisprs and
their corporations contributed over $560,500 in pledges.
In addition, a number of corporations and foundations,
whose names appear elsewhere in this issue, contributed
$400,740.00. Total giving in Mecklenburg County was
$465,650, and total Gaston County pledges are $527,420.
However, by mid-November the college did not have
the $950,000 needed to obtain a $50,000 challenge to get $1
million in pledges. At this point, Belmont Abbey
College’s alumni entered the campaign to ensure suc
cess.
In late November and early December a Phon-A-Thon
was held and 700 college alumni were called. Of those
contacted, 450 made pledges for over $55,000. The
I number of alumni giving increased by over 50 percent
'from less than seven percent to almost li percent as
compared to the best previous year of alumni giving.
The Board of Trustees of the college will determine
use of the emaining $1.12 million in pledges.
The college is very grateful for the many volunteers
who have helped in the Centennial Campaign.
E.F. Gallagher, chairman of the campaign advisory
cabinet, said, “The campaign was successful for two
reasons: the money raised is vital, but more im
portantly, the long-range value is that people became
more acquainted with the Abbey. The resulting con
tacts, friendships and acquaintances have impressed
upon people that Belmont Abbey College is a ‘com
munity’ college situated in and serving the community.
“The fact that the college and community a|e
dependent upon one another assures another 100 yearst
You don’t buy friendships; friendships are developed.'
And we developed friendships during the campaigns.”
Pledges will be collected over a four tax-year period.
Many persons have already paid their pledges. As the
money is collected, it will be invested, and earmarked
for endowment.
Of the total pledged, $500,000 will be used for en
dowment. Establishment of a scholarship fund; greater
student aid, and relief of the operating budget will
consume $300,000 of that. Two hundred thousand dollars
will be applied toward faculty and staff development.
The $200,000 for faculty and staff development will
allow staff to attend professional workshops and con
ferences; broaden and enrich teaching techniques; offer
advanced study to working faculty, and continue the
Development Office for further planning 'and enrich
ment.
Restoration of the historic Administration Building
will benefit from the remaining $2.50,000.
R.P. Caldwell, campaign co-chairman of Gaston
County, said, “1 am very pleased with the way the local
community responded to the financial needs of their
college. It exemplifies the community’s esteem for the
college.”
James G. Babb, Jr., campaign co-chairman for
Mecklenburg County, said, “The campaign was enor
mously successful, and a good deal of people gave un
selfishly of their time in Gaston and Mecklenburg
counties.
“Also, there was a fantastic response from businesses,
foundations and individuals in responding to a need.
Many volunteers worked very hard on the campaign.
We have been able to contact a good nucleus of support
for the future, which is most important.”
Robert A. Healy, chairman of Mecklenburg County
alumni, said, “It was rewarding to witness the en
thusiastic response that Mecklenburg County alumni
extended to our request for donations during the Cen
tennial Campaign. The results were rewarding from an
emotional and economic viewpoint.”
Warren L. Clark, vice president for development, said,
“I am tickled pink with the alumni response. Happily
everyone is making their pledge payments on time, with
only a few exceptions.
Many foundations and corporations are impressed
with the loyalty of the Abbey alumni.”
It is estimated the college will need a substantial
amount in endowment over the next 10 years.
In addition to pledges collected, a very definite benefit
from the final campaign and Phon-A-Thon is that con
tact was reestablished with many previously lost
alumni.