ST.PAUL, MN (09/09/2009)(readMedia)-- Northwestern College announces plans to build a signature structure, the Billy Graham Community Life Commons, in the heart of its suburban St. Paul campus. This cornerstone project-offering new dining facilities, an expanded campus store, classrooms, study lounges, and student and meeting facilities-will serve as a centerpiece of the college, providing students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests a vibrant community gathering space.

Northwestern met and exceeded its capital campaign goal in order to begin construction on the Billy Graham Community Life Commons, named in honor of college's second president. A total of $23 million was raised for the Envision Excellence campaign and of that total, $3.7 million was generated in the past 18 months-despite a weak economic climate. As a result, Northwestern College has been awarded one of its largest grants in its 107-year history, $750,000 from the esteemed Kresge Foundation. Northwestern College was the only educational institution in Minnesota to receive a grant from the prestigious Kresge Foundation in 2007 and was selected by the foundation based on its commitment to educating underserved student populations-non-traditional, first-generation and low-income students, and those from rural and urban settings.

"We see the new Billy Graham Community Life Commons building as a place where students can connect, build relationships, and be inspired both intellectually and spiritually," said Alan S. Cureton, Ph.D., president of Northwestern College. "We are grateful to the Kresge Foundation and the thousands of faithful donors for giving us this opportunity, and in turn, allowing Northwestern to serve its students and the community."

During the fundraising period, many donors gave increased gifts, and more than 700 new donors were added during the last 18 months of the campaign. Cureton stated, "We are encouraged by the generosity of our donors. It has been an extraordinary journey to witness this seemingly impossible miracle as Northwestern faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and the larger regional community as a whole came together to show their support and encouragement for this vital new campus center, the Billy Graham Community Life Commons."

A ceremonial ground-breaking celebration will take place on Friday, Oct. 2 at 3:45 p.m., beginning in Northwestern's performing arts auditorium, Maranatha Hall, and ending outdoors on the building site. Billy Graham's daughters-Gigi Graham Tchividjian and Ruth Graham-as well as state dignitaries and special guests will be present to mark this notable occasion.

About the Billy Graham Community Life Commons

The Billy Graham Community Life Commons (CLC) building will serve as the signature community building on Northwestern's campus. Named for the world-renowned evangelist whose Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) made its home in Minneapolis from 1950-2004, this structure will be the only building in the Twin Cities bearing Graham's name.

The 70,000-square foot facility will house two levels to serve as a "family room" for students, faculty, staff and guests. Specific functions include the campus dining center, student lounges and study areas, office and meeting space for student organizations, campus store, prayer room, and more. It's intended to create abundant designated space for people to connect, build relationships and stimulate spiritual and intellectual growth as the campus lives out its mission of providing Christ-centered higher education.

The building was planned in November 2007 as part of Northwestern's Envision Excellence Capital Campaign for Student Spiritual Life. In addition to the community life building and manicured, functional green space, the master building/expansion plan does allow for future projects including additions for academic departments and the library, a bi-level parking structure, athletic improvements, and a visitor/alumni center.

For more information or to donate, visit www.nwc.edu/campaign.

About Northwestern College

Founded in 1902, Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minn. offering more than 50 bachelor's degree majors, two master's degrees and several associate degree and certificate programs. Over 3,000 students representing 38 states and 30 countries are enrolled in Northwestern's traditional undergraduate and graduate and continuing education programs in North and South America. Northwestern College exists to provide Christ-centered higher education equipping students to grow intellectually and spiritually, to serve effectively in their professions, and to give God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community, and world. Visit www.nwc.edu.

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Marita Meinerts

Director, Marketing & Communications

651-631-5168

mkmeinerts@nwc.edu

marcomm@nwc.edu

Jamie Hanson

Marketing & Communications Assistant

651-286-7533

jlhanson@nwc.edu

Posted Wednesday September 09, 2009 at 08:01 pm by University of Northwestern - St. Paul