As president, I can’t help but think CCBC likes to do things bigger and better, but this time, I think we even surprised ourselves.
In 2010, CCBC embarked upon a capital campaign with an ambitious goal of raising $42 million. With community colleges not known for strong fundraising programs, everyone thought it was lofty goal, but I’m a proponent of go big or go home! Plus, with the fiscal challenges that community colleges face, it’s only smart for us to utilize external resources whenever possible.
Well I’m proud to say that CCBC not only reached that goal, but exceeded it. We are closing out our New Beginnings capital campaign with a total of $57.3 million – the most successful campaign in the college’s history.
The campaign started very quietly with the goal to first raise $1 million to establish an endowment for the Center for Global Education and provide $500,000 in seed funding towards the rehabilitation of CCBC Catonsville’s historic Hilton Center. This goal was met through securing a $500,000 Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the generosity of a host of CCBC faculty, staff, alumni, corporate and foundation partners.
The campaign went on to secure over $9 million for STEM education and careers, $6.2 million for Workforce Development programs, $3.2 million for Healthcare programs, $8.5 million for student support programs and scholarships and $12.4 million for Community Education programs and the Arts.
Additionally, CCBC’s community of supporters stepped up to give like never before. First-time donors contributed over $4.1 million toward the campaign. Alumni contributed an unprecedented $3.1 million and corporate, foundation and institutional partners supported the campaign with an astonishing $12.4 million.
I am overwhelmed by the generosity of CCBC supporters. These funds will not only provide scholarships for our students, but also support every aspect of the college – from enhancing facilities to improving our curriculum and the classroom experience. We are grateful to all who have contributed and have given CCBC New Beginnings for students and the college for years to come.