Marshall University Foundation
Marshall University Foundation, Inc.
One John Marshall Dr.
Huntington, WV 25755
304-696-6264
1-866-308-1346
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Jan. 23, 2008
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications, (304) 696-7153
Support urged for 'Bridge' campaign
By BEN FIELDS
The Herald-Dispatch
CHARLESTON — The Marshall Foundation unveiled a new DVD it is sending out seeking support for its latest fundraising campaign, while also calling on the school's Board of Governors for support for the effort.
"The Bridge," a fundraising drive launched last fall, is an aggressive attempt to get private funds in order to speed up three capital improvement projects, including a new softball field and engineering building, both already under construction, and a foundation and alumni affairs building, scheduled to break ground in the spring.
The DVD shows former and current Marshall students, including notable alumni like Jets quarterback Chad Pennington, talking about the assets of the university and urging the viewer to consider giving to the Bridge campaign.
The goal is to raise $16 million in private funds, and the campaign has already netted more than $8 million, said Ron Area, chief executive officer of the Foundation.
"I can't stress how important it is for the boards associated with the university to get involved," he said. "When you go to some of these organizations looking for donations, the first thing they look at is whether the board is behind it, and if they aren't involved 100 percent, guess what? The proposal goes in the trash."
Board member A. Michael Perry echoed Area's sentiments..
"I would urge each and every one of you to be part of the Bridge campaign," he said. "The amount you give is important, but what's even more important is that everyone get involved."
The idea of the Bridge is that the drive brings together all aspects of the university, from academics to athletics to alumni.
"All of these things come together from the standpoint of where we are and where we want to be," Perry said.