Invest in Excellence campaign focuses on students, campus, endowment

OCT. 1 – Trine University recently received gifts and pledges that brought its Invest in Excellence campaign total to $60.1 million, which is more than 80 percent of its $75 million campaign goal.

“Trine is grateful for the substantial contributions from alumni and donors,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president. “Supporting our campaign enables campus enhancements and scholarship opportunities for our students.”

One alumnus increased his deferred gift while another committed a quarter million dollars for an endowed scholarship. Dr. James Rinker, a 1958 Tri-State graduate, elevated his estate commitment including additional charitable gift annuities to $2,150,000. He describes his planned giving to Trine as “a commitment of dedication” because Tri-State, now Trine, helped launch his career.

Another alumnus, Larry D. Vickers, class of 1974, made a $250,000 deferred gift commitment designated for the Larry D. Vickers Endowed Scholarship Fund.

In addition, a trio of generous donors known for giving to Trine have again contributed. Alumnus Ralph D. Trine, a 1961 grad, and his wife, Sheri G. Trine, both university namesakes and trustees, donated two structures worth $600,000. The Trines are responsible for securing and then giving to the school Mattox and Capri halls on West Maumee Street. Mattox is a residence for male students and Capri houses the School of Professional Studies’ Angola Education Center.  

Generous benefactor Judy A. Morrill gave $300,000 for the recently completed Judy A. Morrill Garden Wall that runs adjacent to Thunder Drive from Ford Hall to Fawick Hall.

The Invest in Excellence campaign is focused on the Trine Fund for scholarships and operations, endowment and capital projects. In the past two years, Trine University has invested more than $25 million in campus upgrades.