wfn.org | Michigan college receives $4M for new student center

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Oct. 26, 1999 News media contact: Linda Green·(615)742-5470·Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{565}

By United Methodist News Service
 
A $4 million donation will enable United Methodist-related Albion (Mich.)
College to realize its goal of building a state-of-the-art student and
administrative services building.

William and Joyce Ferguson, of Armonk, N.Y., made the donation on Oct. 26
toward the construction of the new building, which will bear their name. The
gift will fund nearly 50 percent of the project. The balance will be paid
from private contributions for the college's new vision for enhancing
liberal arts education. Construction will begin when funding is completed.  

The Ferguson Building will house multipurpose computer laboratories
providing four-hour access to all college students, institutes for
pre-professional preparation and centers for interdisciplinary study.
Offices for the staff of academic and students affairs and other
administrative departments also will be included.

Albion's new vision was announced at last year's inauguration of school
President Peter T. Mitchell. The college wants to make connections across
disciplines, cultures and society, using its liberal arts programs.

Construction of the building is the foundation for the college's new vision,
said Jim Klapthor, the college's assistant director of communications.

"The Ferguson Building recognizes and celebrates the multiple and key roles
Bill Ferguson played at the college," Mitchell said. Those roles have
included alumnus, parent, visiting professor, trustee, acting president,
chairman of the board of trustees and donor.

"Indeed," he said, "Bill and Joyce's eclectic interests, including the new
Vision emphasis on interdisciplinary study, are all represented in the
building that will bear their name."

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United Methodist News Service
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