Trine launches $75m capital campaign

ANGOLA, Ind. – Trine University announced a $75 million capital campaign on Thursday evening and is already more than halfway to its goal.

"Invest in Excellence" is Trine's campaign that "will allow us to continue the momentum," Earl D. Brooks II., Ph.D., Trine president told guests during the 18th annual Touchstone Donor Recognition Dinner on Thursday in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Athletic and Recreation Center. The event was part of homecoming festivities.

"We must continue to nurture our campus facilities while we serve our students," Brooks said. The campaign will enable Trine to "expand our resources while continuing good stewardship of the facilities we maintain."

The campaign, which raised $40 million during a silent phase, will support the annual fund, provide capital for renovation of Ford and Hershey halls and increase institutional endowment.

Rick James, an alumnus and chairman of the Board of Trustees, thanked donors for supporting Trine's mission and encouraged them to consider aiding the new campaign.

"Investing in Trine is a great investment in the future," James said, as he called Trine "one of the finest engineering schools in the country."

Strengthening the university through the endowment fund will provide financial security, James said.

Though an increased endowment and annual fund might not be visible, upgrades to buildings will be visible. A $4.5 million renovation of Ford Hall, Trine's former library, is scheduled to begin in spring 2014. Ford Hall is home to the Ketner School of Business.

Drawings on display during the dinner revealed renovation plans for both Ford and Hershey halls. A date for renovation to begin on Hershey was not announced.

Trine successfully completed its $90 million Vision for the Future campaign in 2009.