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Contact: Jodie Oftelie, Office of College Advancement
- 208/792-2458 Campaign for Activity
Center Meets Goal,
Enters Next Phase
LEWISTON, Idaho - Lewis-Clark State College closed the first chapter of
its fundraising effort for the new multi-purpose activity center this week. Generous
donations from the Nez Perce Tribe, and Glenn and Babs Carlson helped the college conclude
its fundraising campaign to build the center.
More than three hundred individuals, alumni, businesses and community organizations
supported the local campaign for the activity center, which had a $1.5 million goal.
Students also pledged a share in making the center a reality: LCSC students will
contribute $2 million toward the cost of building the center, through fees assessed over
the next 25 years.
The new facility will replace the existing gymnasium and gym annex, providing new
classroom and office space, as well as a venue for community events. The entire project is
estimated to be worth $16.4 million and will replace existing outdated, undersized
facilities on campus. Governor Dirk Kempthorne signed House Bill 373, authorizing State
Public Works Projects/Permanent Building Fund appropriations for the center last April.
Building the Activity Center has been a dream many on the LC campus have worked hard to
make reality. The college undertook the ambitious fundraising campaign in 1997. With the
support of alumni, individuals, corporate and community contributors, the local effort was
at the $1.45 million mark, until this month, when a $22,000 cash donation by the Nez Perce
Tribe, along with the Carlson's donation, put the campaign to construct the facility over
its goal.
When presented with the check from the Nez Perce Tribe, President Dene Thomas said
"We're pleased to accept the tribe's gift and proud to be putting it toward a
facility that will benefit everyone-students
and community, children and grandchildren.”
LCSC Foundation Chair Marilyn Stonebraker echoed that sentiment, thanking Nez Perce Tribal
Executive Committee Chairman, Samuel N. Penney for his support throughout the campaign.
"We're very happy to have the Nez Perce Tribe help us meet our goal. The tribe has
numerous other priorities and interests, and we appreciate their interest and perseverance
in this campaign. From day one, they looked for ways to bring this project to
reality."
As for whether fundraising efforts for the center are concluded, Director of College
Advancement, Jody Oftelie, indicated there is still work to be done. She pointed out that
the center will be a hub for community and college activities-the only venue of its kind
in Lewiston, and there is more to the project than just constructing a building. "Now
that we've hit the $1.5 million goal, we're looking for continued support for amenities in
the building to include enhanced acoustic treatment, an upgraded sound system and general
equipment. The amenities and equipment we end up with will depend on contributions."
Stonebraker echoed her comments, saying "We're now looking at ways to make this
facility state-of-the-art---something that is more valuable and a source of pride for
years to come." The current budget allows for basic systems and equipment. Efforts
now will focus on providing for a 10% cost overrun to include equipment and accoutrements
not covered by the original funding.
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