Declaring “the largest campaign goal in Keuka College history,” College Trustee Dr. Barbara Allardice on Friday, Oct. 13, unveiled “The Next 125: A Comprehensive Campaign for Keuka College.” The unprecedented $30 million effort is intended to ensure the College’s future while educating the next generation of leaders.
“Keuka College’s history is one of advancement and achievement,” said College President Dr. Jorge L. Díaz-Herrera. “But to meet the changes and challenges that lie ahead, it is imperative that we position the College not only to succeed but to excel. The Next 125 campaign will do just that.”
Keuka College, which opened in 1890, recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. The Next 125 campaign – for which more than $20 million has already been pledged – will provide structural and programming improvements, positioning the College to carry on its mission to create exemplary citizens and leaders to serve the nation and the world for the next 125 years.
Past Board of Trustees Chair Bob Schick, who is co-chairing the campaign with Allardice, outlined the campaign’s specific goals before a crowd of more than 500 in the College’s JMW Recreation and Athletics Center.
The campaign, he said, will target the following key areas:
- The athletics center would be renovated and expanded by approximately 17,500 square feet. It would include an NCAA competition-quality, eight-lane, 200-meter indoor track, and a multipurpose Field House with seating for 6,000.
- The student center would be modernized and renovated. Boosting this phase of the project Friday night was a surprise announcement by College Trustee Frank Chiaino and his wife, Maureen, that they will match every donation directed toward the student center dollar for dollar, up to $500,000. That comes in addition to a $1 million matching grant from the New York State Regional Economic Development Council for the first $4 million raised. Taken together, that means every dollar donated to the effort will result in $2.25 toward student center renovations.
- An Institute for Digital Education and Learning would be established to infuse and integrate digital studies throughout the curricula.
- The Chapel would be upgraded, including roof repairs and updates to much of the infrastructure.
- The Endowment and Annual Fund would be expanded.
Additional information on The Next 125 campaign and its target projects can be found online at keuka.edu/thenext125.
Along with Campaign co-chairs Allardice, a graduate of the Keuka College Class of 1961, and Schick, chairman and CEO of Lyons National Bank, former Trustee Donald Wertman is serving as community co-chair. Dr. Esther Yoder, Class of 1960, and Dr. Michael Hwang, administrative chancellor emeritus for Keuka College’s China campuses, are serving as honorary co-chairs.
Also at Friday night’s gala, two alumni awards were presented:
- The late Beverly Nessel Au ’51 and her husband, Dr. William Au ’51 received the the Evelyn Zill Diehl ’51 Philanthropic Heritage Award, which recognizes those who have made the College a significant part of their planned giving legacy.
- Elaine Lees, Class of 1968, received the Alumni Association Inspiration Award, which is presented to an alumna who has inspired others with their dedication to their profession and support of Keuka College. It is only the second time this award has been bestowed.
Friday night’s announcements helped kick off the College’s fourth annual Green & Gold Celebration Weekend, which included a variety of events for students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members.
