Whitworth Hopes To Raise $50 Million

Tue., Oct. 26, 1999

Whitworth College has launched its most ambitious fund-raising campaign in the school’s 110-year history, hoping to raise $50 million.

The liberal arts Presbyterian college has received $32.7 million in gifts during the “silent” portion of the campaign. The college launched the public phase of its “Faith in the Future” campaign on Friday when students, alumni, staff and other college supporters gathered on campus.

“It’s our biggest ever, and the fact that we’ve already raised two-thirds of the money is especially nice,” said Tammy Reid, Whitworth’s vice president for academic affairs.

The campaign will support Whitworth’s faculty and students. Major initiatives include funding of endowed chairs and professorships to help attract and keep top faculty members, a new classroom building, student scholarships, technology improvements and ongoing operations.

Of the money received so far, $3 million was given by longtime supporters who have asked to remain anonymous, $1 million was donated by the Spokane-based Comstock Foundation and another $1 million came from Karlyn and Charles Boppell of Bel Air, Calif., whose family has supported Whitworth for four generations. The college hopes to reach its $50 million goal within three years.

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