MidAmerica Nazarene University announced its most comprehensive capital campaign at the university’s 50th Anniversary Grand Celebration Dinner. "Bright Futures: the campaign for MNU" is a three-priority, multi-year campaign for $61 million.

Over the next five years, funds raised in the campaign will be designated for three priorities at MNU:

1. Academic Programs:     $6,989,043
2. Capital Projects:            $28,109,262
3. University Support:        $26,214,328

Among the most visible aspects of the campaign will be the construction of the new, state-of-the-art, 50,000-square-foot Cunningham Student Center replacing the nearly 50-year-old Campus Center building. The center will feature multi-use spaces for meeting, a larger, enhanced dining area, outdoor areas, a fitness center and the campus store, and will more than double the space of the current building. The second floor will house Enrollment Development, Student Financial Aid Services, and Student Development with space specifically designed for visiting prospective students and their families.

Other capital projects include a new athletic complex, stadium, and track. Due to lack of facilities, football and track & field have been moved off campus for “home” competitions to the Olathe District Activity Center. These new facilities will allow these teams to host activities on campus allowing for greater fan involvement. These significant building projects will greatly enhance the student experience at MNU.

"Fifty years after the start of this university, it is now our responsibility to take what our founders built to a new level of excellence,” said David Spittal, MNU president. “These capital projects are vital to MNU’s ability to appeal to, educate, and prepare students for generations to come.”

Investments in academic programs and resources, including the rapidly changing technology required to equip graduates for successful careers, will be made through the other two campaign priorities. Specifically, funding for the updated Learning Commons, the addition of career services and the expansion of academic support services has already been obtained through a five-year Title III Department of Education Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant.

As the third priority, university support includes funding to bolster student scholarships and university operations. This will increase MNU’s ability to offer competitive financial aid packages for an increasing number of students. Funding for operations and maintenance will further increase the quality of the student experience for all.

“These projects are a great fit for the forward vision of MNU,” says Tim Buchanan, campaign co-chair. “They are key components to drawing more students so that we can continue fulfilling our mission to transform students’ lives.” 

For more information on Bright Futures: the campaign for MNU, visit BrightFutures.mnu.edu.