President Sidney Ribeau addresses guests at the April 30 launch of "Building Dreams: The Centennial Campaign for Bowling Green State University."

BGSU launches $120 million centennial fund-raising drive

At a black-tie gala Saturday night, the University announced plans to seek $120 million in private contributions through a nationwide fund-raising campaign.

Called “Building Dreams: The Centennial Campaign for Bowling Green State University,” the campaign will support scholarships, endowed chairs, capital improvements and academic program enhancements.

The 25-member national campaign steering committee is co-chaired by Kermit F. Stroh of Wapakoneta and former Sylvania resident Ronald R. Whitehouse, now of Harbor Springs, Mich. University alumni Robert and Ellen Thompson of Plymouth, Mich., are honorary chairs. Thompson graduated from the University in 1955 and his wife, in 1954.

At the April 30 event, Whitehouse and Stroh announced that $74,223,759 already has been committed toward the $120 million goal.

“For nearly a century, Bowling Green has been a place where students have learned how to turn their dreams into reality. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the University’s founding, private support is critical to ensure the University can continue to meet its commitment to educational excellence and creativity,” said President Sidney Ribeau.

“It is gratifying to see the support of so many,” he told an audience of about 400 who attended the campaign kickoff.

“When I was invited to serve as co-chair of the Centennial Campaign for BGSU, I reacted with pride, honor and eagerness to help the University succeed,” said Stroh, a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees. “This campaign is about ensuring student success, keeping the faculty strong and enhancing programs that make this great University unique.”

Whitehouse echoed that sentiment. “The education and values I developed here as a student really gave me a firm foundation to go into the business world. Bowling Green has played a major role in my life, a major role in my success. This is an opportunity to give something back in return for all that the University has given me,” the 1967 alumnus said.

“It’s clear that those who know what the University is doing and is striving to achieve want to see Bowling Green State University succeed,” said J. Douglas Smith, vice president for University advancement and president of the BGSU Foundation Inc. “Before the campaign was announced publicly, contributors already have given more than $74 million.”

Among areas that will receive support through the campaign are the Dallas-Hamilton Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the Center for Photochemical Sciences, the Sebo Athletic Center, the Wolfe Center for the Arts and WBGU-PBS.

Contributions also are being sought to expand the merit-based Alumni Laureate Scholars program, study abroad and international scholarships, graduate fellowships and scholarships for students at BGSU Firelands. The University also seeks to create more endowed chairs for faculty and staff, as well as endowed visiting lecturers.

The centennial campaign will continue through December 2008.