Alumni Celebrate Campaign Kickoff at EC Community Lunch

Alumni attending class reunions already knew that they would be enjoying an exciting, festive time at Earlham College during the Homecoming weekend. Many didn’t realize they also would be a part of one of the most exciting announcements in the College’s 161-year history.

During a celebratory lunch for the Earlham community, the College publicly announced its boldest fundraising campaign ever — a $60 million initiative entitled Purpose and Passion: The Campaign for Earlham, which has already raised more than $41 million toward that goal.

From the start, it was clear that this was no ordinary lunch. Attendees were welcomed into the performance gym at the Wellness Center by the sounds of Earlham’s Rhythm Project. Also, Earlham President Doug Bennett was scheduled to give his annual talk about the state of the College at the event, rather than in the morning as was the usual custom. Attendees were told by Gail Clark, director of alumni relations, to “stay tuned” for some surprises.

Following the meal, the Earlham College Concert Choir, led by conductor Bill Culverhouse, took the stage to perform the traditional Quaker hymn “How Can I Keep From Singing?,” as arranged by Professor of Music Dan Graves. Following the performance, Bennett spoke about Earlham in a time of renewal, addressing the five specific campaign goals — the Earlham Fund, facilities and resources for the arts and for the sciences, faculty professional development, and student financial aid.

The crowd next heard from John Loose ’64, chair of the Campaign Steering Committee, via video, who told them of his vision of Earlham.

“I believe Earlham has a refreshing view of the world — one that is inclusive, celebrates diversity and is always looking constructively and responsibly forward,” Loose said. “A view inspired and influenced by its Quaker roots.

“The results are what matters — the kind of people we graduate who are remarkable in the unique roles they carve out in the world. So I’m behind this campaign 100 percent. It’s times like these that make Earlham more important than ever.”

Attendees were then treated to a special video, which highlighted exactly what makes Earlham so special through the eyes of its students and alumni. That video is available for the entire Earlham community to enjoy on the campaign Web site at www.earlham.edu/campaign.

Finally, Board of Trustees Chair Debbie Hull ’67 took the stage and publicly announced the campaign, its goal and its progress to date. The crowd received the news with great enthusiasm and applause.

Kim Tanner ’90, associate vice president for institutional advancement, was thrilled with the alumni response to the College’s fundraising effort and with the success of the celebratory lunch.

“The campaign and its priorities are such an important next step for the College and we were very excited to use Homecoming and Reunion Weekend as our opportunity to publicly announce this,” she said. “It’s such a huge endeavor, and it will take our entire community to ensure its success.

“All of us, alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students make up that which we call the Earlham community, and it is the responsibility of that community to steward and care for this very special place. For me, this campaign really signifies a call to everyone to stand together and help Earlham fulfill its goals and aspirations.”

All members of the Earlham community are invited and encouraged to learn more about the priorities, goals and progress of Purpose and Passion: The Campaign for Earlham by visiting www.earlham.edu/campaign. For photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.