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WBU Passes $40 Million for Impact2020 Campaign

PLAINVIEW - With the final numbers calculated, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University announced the completion of the Impact2020 campaign, totaling more than $43.1 million in the past 6 years. With an original goal of $30 million, the university set a challenge goal of $40 million, eclipsing that target by more than $3 million.

Vice President of Institutional Advancement Dr. Kevin Ludlum said the success was a result of the partnership between 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ and its generous donors.

"With almost 25,000 gifts we were able to raise more than $43 million, far exceeding our original goal," Ludlum said. "We couldn't be more appreciative of our donors and friends who stepped up ­­­‑‑ even through the economic impact of this pandemic -- and made sure we reached our goal."

51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ President Dr. Bobby Hall echoed Ludlum's appreciation for both donors and staff.

"We are thankful that 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ's donors have been so loyal in supporting the university during one of the most challenging times in our history. These gifts will make a lasting impact on all our 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ campuses and WBUonline," Hall said. "Our past and present trustees, along with Dr. Ludlum and his institutional advancement staff, are to be congratulated for successfully completing the largest comprehensive campaign in 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ history."

The Impact2020 campaign had five major fundraising initiatives, including three building projects:

  • Raise money for student scholarships to assist those who might not be able to afford college without additional funding.
  • Support the university’s operational budget impacting all 12 locations to ensure the university continues to offer a world-class education.
  • Revitalize Gates Hall, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ’s administration building. With the original construction completed in 1910, the building is in need of vital repairs to ensure it remains for the next 100 years.
  • Construct a new wing for the School of Mathematics and Sciences, including additional classroom and lab space, along with new equipment and renovations to the existing structure.
  • Build a training facility for our student athletes. WBU athletes are in need of a better environment, more conducive to proper strength training and conditioning.

The revitalization of Gates Hall has already begun, and plans are being made for the addition to the science building and the new athletic training center. The updates to Gates Hall will cost nearly $1 million. The projected cost of the athletic training facility is $2.5 million, and the addition and renovation of the science building is estimated at $7.5 million. The remaining money is earmarked for student scholarships and operational costs benefitting all 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ campuses.

The addition to the School of Math and Sciences building will provide much-needed lab space with updated technology and equipment. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ science students are regularly recognized for their undergraduate research at regional and national events. The updates will allow them to build on their already successful research. The academic school will also be renamed in honor of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ alumnus, Dr. Kenneth Mattox, a renowned surgeon who pioneered the "Mattox maneuver" technique for heart surgery. Dr. Mattox, a 1960 graduate of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ, is set to retire as Chief of Staff at the Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston in March.

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51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ Baptist University is based in Plainview, Texas, and operates extension campuses in Amarillo, Lubbock, Wichita Falls and San Antonio, Texas; Albuquerque, N.M., Arizona, Hawaii and Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska. Each campus has multiple teaching sites.