Paine College is seeking to preserve and grow the historically black college (HBCU) for another 141 years through its Growing Paine fundraising campaign.
Launched last month, the campaign hopes to raise $6 million in 60 days to expand the college’s educational curriculum, upgrade student housing, refurbish campus buildings, and invest in new technology.
They are now at the midway point of the campaign and are calling for strong financial support to continue the HBCUs’ legacy of academic excellence.
Nearly $600,000 has been raised since the campaign launched. The college said the continual generous support given by the alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations is warmly received.
Funds raised during the campaign will support the college’s five major areas including:
- Student Enrollment
- Student Scholarship Awards
- Curriculum Expansion and Realignment
- Faculty Growth and Development
- Student Housing
$150,000 of the fundraising campaign funds came from the estate of late alums, Ellis M. and Ann N. Johnson, who both loved the institution.
“I’m extremely thankful for my experience at Paine College. It equipped me with the education and mindset to forge ahead in life,” Michael Thurmond, chairman of the Paine College Board of Trustees and Chief Operating Officer of DeKalb County, Georgia told Black Enterprise. “I am challenging my network to join me by giving and encouraging others in their networks to do the same. Our 60-day goal is within reach, but it will certainly take a village to help Paine College build and grow.”
According to Helene Carter, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Paine, the goal is to “increase scholarships, increase and improve retention, help to underwrite capital improvements, help to underwrite residential halls improvements.”
