Centenary giving tops $3 million with new initiatives
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College raised more than $3.7 million in the 2017 fiscal year completed in June, including an impressive $3.2 million raised for the Centenary Fund that supports student scholarships and college operations.
“I am deeply grateful for the support Centenary receives from our alumni, Board of Trustees, and the Shreveport-Bossier community,” says Centenary president Dr. Christopher L. Holoman. “These funds allow the College to continue to provide an excellent education to any qualified student and support Centenary’s role as a hub for cultural and intellectual activity in our community.”
The Development team at Centenary found new ways to reach donors during the past year and also built on the excitement surrounding the arrival of Centenary’s 31st president, Dr. Christopher L. Holoman. The “31 for 31” campaign launched to celebrate Holoman’s inauguration in March 2017 exceeded its goal of $310,000, eventually raising over $670,000 for the Centenary Fund. In May, the College raised over $18,000 at the first annual “Beast Feast,” a unique culinary event featuring exotic and wild game dishes prepared by local chefs.
Centenary also participated in Giving Tuesday, a nationwide online giving day, and Give for Good, a similar local effort organized by the Community Foundation of North Louisiana. The College raised over $90,000 on Giving Tuesday in December 2016, up from $22,000 in 2015, and over $10,000 during Give for Good in May 2017. Centenary was participating in Give for Good for the first time and earned the “Notable Newcomer” award, complete with an extra cash match from the Community Foundation.
In addition to the $3.2 million raised for the Centenary Fund, the College also created four new endowment funds in FY2017 and secured over $450,000 in endowment gifts. Targeted campaigns raised $14,000 and $9,000, respectively, for new soccer and softball scoreboards. The scoreboard initiatives were hosted on a unique online “crowdfunding” platform designed specifically for colleges and universities, which allowed Centenary student-athletes to create their own funding pages and easily share the campaign with potential donors through social media.
“Centenary enjoyed a very successful year because of the generosity of many alumni and friends,” says Fred Landry, Vice President for Development. “I’m very thankful to all those who made gifts in support of Centenary last year and urge those who have not given previously or recently to make an investment in the life of the College. Many good things are happening here, with many more to come.”