Simpson College concludes $30.6 million fundraising campaign

Simpson College (simpson.edu) announced today the conclusion of a comprehensive fundraising campaign that surpassed $30.6 million, positioning the College to make physical enhancements and strengthen its financial profile.

Imagine the Impact: A Campaign for Simpson College focused on three pillars: physical renovations to Dunn Library and Carver Science Hall, increases to the College Endowment and significant contributions to The Simpson Fund. The year-long public phase of the campaign raised more than $10 million.

In all, the campaign raised $30,682,556.

‘‘When this campaign began a year ago, none of us could imagine the impact it would have on our students and on our campus,” Simpson College president Marsha Kelliher said. “Our generous contributors have laid the foundation for us to move forward and inspired us to pursue more ambitious projects, new programs, and new initiatives that will allow us to elevate the Simpson experience.’’

The public phase of the campaign launched Oct. 19, 2019. The homecoming crowd watched as a 40-foot banner dropped from the roof of Hillman Hall, revealing the figure $20,323,561 – the amount raised during the silent phase of the campaign.

Originally scheduled to conclude May 31, 2020 with a goal of $25 million, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic prompted the extension of the campaign.

“To achieve this kind of success during a pandemic is very gratifying,” said Bob Lane, vice president for college advancement. “What this campaign was able to achieve speaks volumes of the confidence our alumni and friends have in the leadership of Simpson and its hopes for the future.”

Funds secured during the silent phase of the campaign were used for upgrades in Carver Science Hall, including classroom and lab renovations and new equipment purchases. Future plans include a renovation of Dunn Library, which will include a new home for the College’s teacher education program.

In addition to enhancing the physical aspects of campus, Imagine the Impact will increase the endowment, positioning the College to more assuredly face the future. The Simpson Fund – a campus-wide, unrestricted fund for the areas of greatest need – will also benefit from the money raised for the campaign.

Contact Information
Roger Degerman, Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Communication
Direct: 515-961-1595
Email: roger.degerman@simpson.edu