Magazine ~ Fall 2020

Magazine ~ Fall 2020

Campaign Kickoff Dinner

Photo: J.D. Cavrich

Historic Campaign Inspires Confidence in Extraordinary Era

By: April Feagley, assistant director of communication

In 2014, at the launch of BELIEVE: The Campaign for Juniata College, Juniata set out to make the largest investment in the student experience in the institution’s history. The original goal: $100 million in support of an unwavering partnership with our students to deliver an exceptional education that prepares them for a meaningful life after Juniata.

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Campaign Kickoff Dinner

Photo: J.D. Cavrich

Historic Campaign Inspires Confidence in Extraordinary Era

By: April Feagley, assistant director of communication

In 2014, at the launch of BELIEVE: The Campaign for Juniata College, Juniata set out to make the largest investment in the student experience in the institution’s history. The original goal: $100 million in support of an unwavering partnership with our students to deliver an exceptional education that prepares them for a meaningful life after Juniata.

When they agreed to co-chair the BELIEVE campaign, little did volunteers Charles W. “Bud” Wise III, Barbara Wise, Keith Jones ’75 and Elaine Jones ’76 know they would be leading the historic seven-year fundraising effort through a significant moment in world history.

Prior to COVID-19, “We were setting records in light of the amount of funds raised starting in 2017, 2018, and 2019. At the beginning of 2020, we were shy of a record, but still shaping up to be a great year. We were confident we could do that because of the loyalty of the Juniata community and the love they have for the college,” said Bud. “By the time we went public with the campaign in October 2018, we had enough momentum to set a new goal of $115 million. At that moment, this became the largest campaign in Juniata’s history.”

“We stood up and said, ‘Let’s do this, we’re not going to let it set us back.’” Keith Jones ’75, Campaign Co-Chair

By the end of March 2020, COVID-19 effectively sent much of the United States into a virtual reality, Juniata included. Campus was deserted, remote offices and classrooms were established, and we were forced to forge a new path forward. According to Bud, “We had some conversations about the campaign and about COVID-19 and what the impact might be. Fundamentally, we decided to double down and complete this campaign on time, even though the pandemic caused some barriers.”

The campaign co-chairs particularly wished to be sensitive to the economic impact COVID-19 had on segments of the donor base, as many were dealing with income and job loss.

“I think it made us work harder. We stood up and said, ‘Let’s do this, we’re not going to let it set us back.’ We were in the last year of the campaign and we had strong momentum,” Bud said. “It wouldn’t feel good to delay the conclusion of the campaign by any amount of time and we wanted to meet the goal, so we said, ‘Let’s do both.’”

Crediting the support they received from Jim Watt, vice president for advancement, and the members of Juniata’s advancement team, everyone got creative. Mountain Day, Juniata’s oldest and most beloved tradition, was born in light of a global pandemic. More than 100 years later, the Mountain Day Emergency Assistance Fund was established to address the financial impacts of COVID-19.

“During the first month of the pandemic, we were on the phone every day discussing what we could do as campaign chairs. It was all hands on deck in true Juniata fashion,” said Keith.

The results? Nearly $350,000 raised in support of the Mountain Day Emergency Assistance Fund.

“All of the members of our BELIEVE committee got involved. I am impressed with the number of alumni who stepped up and realized Juniata needed our help. We have gotten where we are because of the hard work of Juniata’s development team and the grassroots efforts of so many people who have stepped up to get things done,” Keith said. “Juniata taught me to adapt, problem solve, and make changes as needed, it was the greatest education I’ve received. I want to make sure that education is secure going forward.”

Driven by a committee comprised of 30 board members, alumni, and Juniata community members, BELIEVE: The Campaign for Juniata College will conclude next year with an unaltered goal.

“Our committee spans a breadth of ages and career paths. Everyone took their responsibility very seriously. We are linking arms with the 28 other people on the campaign committee. We are confident because we are not doing this alone,” said Elaine. “We had to shift our strategy for the short course and are broadening our donor base. We are working to engage our alumni across the board.”

The final year of any multi-year campaign is the toughest, even without a global pandemic. However, the campaign committee is committed to seeing it through to the end as the entirety of the $115 goal will fundamentally transform and improve the student experience at Juniata.

“This campaign is consistent with Juniata’s community emphasis and focus on the students. The funds raised contribute to faculty support, facility support, and scholarship support. It’s all centered on the students. This is what Juniata does well and what the campaign is designed to allow Juniata to do,” said Bud. “Juniata has something special. That’s the secret sauce and we’re looking to keep it that way.”

The mission of the BELIEVE campaign is one every Juniatian can help see through to fruition.

“There is room in this campaign for any type of support that alumni or others can offer to Juniata, whether it’s $10, $100, or $1 million,” said Elaine. “When we talk to people about the campaign and trying to raise $115 million, they think we only want to talk about big gifts. There are so many ways to offer support, whether it’s through planned giving, giving $100, or setting up a scholarship. Donate in a way that makes sense to you.”

To learn more about BELIEVE: The Campaign for Juniata College and the many ways in which you can be part of this historic chapter at Juniata, please visit believe.juniata.edu.