Cottey campaign tops $15 million

Cottey College's "Defining Moment" fundraising campaign recently topped the $15 million mark, climbing toward the $35 million goal.

Dr. Judy Rogers, Cottey College president, said she is pleased with the generous support from alumnae, P.E.O.s, and friends of the college in less than two years from the campaign's start.

"Our constituents believe in the power of Cottey and the accomplishments of the students who pass through our doors," said Dr. Rogers. "Cottey helps young women become strong and confident women who have the potential to be leaders in their professions, their communities and in their families. As a result of this campaign, we will be able to offer a Cottey education to many more young women."

"We are reaching out to make new friends of the College through awareness events and a growing network of volunteers," said campaign chairman Barbara Andes. "With this campaign, we have a tremendous opportunity to move Cottey to a higher level of excellence so it can transform more lives," added Andes.

Since the campaign launched in September 2009, more than 50 events have been held from coast to coast and many more are planned over the next two years.

Additionally, the volunteer structure has grown to include several hundred.

The top priority of the campaign is to raise $10 million toward endowed scholarships. Currently, the campaign has raised a little more than 45 percent of this total.

"Scholarship support for Cottey students is more important now than ever before. With 98 percent of Cottey students receiving financial aid in some form, Cottey must increase its scholarship endowment," said Carla Bryant Farmer, campaign manager and senior major gifts officer.

The campaign, which will span five years, supports Cottey's strategic plan to increase enrollment to 500 students. Among the other priorities are $3 million for endowed faculty chairs, $3 million for library enhancements, $9 million for a new fine arts instructional building, and $10 million for unrestricted funding.