Campaign fund raising reaches $11 million

Gifts and pledges to Northwestern’s Imagine Campaign now total $11 million, more than one-third of the $30 million goal. Of the money raised, $6.6 million is earmarked for the learning commons.

Northwestern is currently in the silent phase of the largest fund-raising efforts in its history. Central to the campaign is $20 million for the learning commons, a building that will house the college’s library, technology center, classrooms, writing center and special collections archives, along with an auditorium, coffee shop and prayer chapel.

Another $5 million is earmarked for new academic programs, positions and facilities; $3 million will help renovate the Rowenhorst Student Center; and $2 million will go toward Northwestern’s endowment.

While a timeline for the Imagine Campaign hasn’t been finalized, college officials are anticipating a five-year campaign. Major gifts received so far include $2 million from Marvin and Jerene DeWitt of Zeeland, Mich., $1.3 million from the estate of Charlie and Cordelia Boyd of Maurice, Iowa, and $1 million from an anonymous donor for construction of the new learning commons.