John Brown University has been awarded a $1.5 million challenge grant by the Mabee Foundation, with funds supporting the construction of the new JBU Health Education Building and nursing endowment, the renovation of the Walton Lifetime Health Complex (WLHC) and the JBU Scholarship Fund.
The three fundraising projects are part of JBU’s $125 million Campaign for the Next Century to be completed on the university’s centennial in 2019. To date, JBU has received nearly $67 million in gifts and pledges toward the campaign goal.
“The Mabee Foundation has been a friend and partner of excellence in Christian higher education at JBU for decades,” said Dr. Chip Pollard, JBU president. “We are deeply grateful for this challenge grant, which will inspire others to participate in our mission to empower students to honor God and serve others.”
In order for JBU to receive the challenge grant, the university must raise the remaining funds needed to complete the projects by the end of the fiscal year. JBU has received $7.8 million of the $12 million goal for the nursing project, and $2.2 million of the $5 million goal for the Walton Lifetime Health Complex Renovation. Additionally, the challenge grant requires $500,000 of funding for the JBU Scholarship Fund.
“The Mabee challenge grant will help energize our generous donors to complete the funding of these important projects,” said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president for advancement. “We are thankful for the foundation’s role in the success of the Campaign for the Next Century to date.”
About JBU Nursing: After unanimous approval by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing in 2013, JBU began a $12 million project to build and endow a 20,000 sq. ft. Health Education Building and the nursing program. JBU’s first class of pre-nursing students enrolled in the fall of 2014 and will apply for admittance to the nursing program in 2016. Classes are scheduled to begin in the new Health Education Building in the fall of 2016.
About the Walton Lifetime Health Complex Renovation: With more than 2,600 students, employees and community members regularly using the WLHC, this $5 million renovation will breathe new life into the dated facility. Renovation plans include a new community entrance, expanded fitness areas, an expansion of the HVAC system, new pool mechanical systems and decking, and new locker rooms.
About the JBU Scholarship Fund: The JBU Scholarship Fund helps reduce financial barriers for students and bridges the gap in financial aid to make it possible for students to attend JBU. Every dollar given to the JBU Scholarship Fund is awarded directly to students each year. Approximately one-half of the student body receives an average annual award of $1,750 from the JBUSF.
The J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation, Inc., a private charitable foundation, was formed in 1948 by Mr. John E. Mabee and his wife, Lottie E. Mabee, with its office in Tulsa, Okla. As stated in its charter, the purposes of the foundation are to aid Christian religious organizations, charitable organizations, institutions of higher learning, hospitals and other organizations of a general charitable nature.