Friday, May 25, 2018
Category: Facilities
Messiah College announces the Kim S. Phipps Admissions and Welcome Center
The Messiah College Board of Trustees announced that it approved continued construction planning for a new facility that will welcome prospective students and their families to our campus. The board agreed unanimously that this new facility will be named the “Kim S. Phipps Admissions and Welcome Center” in celebration of the excellent leadership and welcoming spirit that President Phipps has exhibited during her 13 years as Messiah’s president.
The new Kim S. Phipps Admissions and Welcome Center will act as a centralized space for prospective students, offering a positive first impression of Messiah College as well as more offices for faculty and staff. An inviting Admissions and Welcome Center will literally be a "window" into all of campus, providing renewed meaning and emphasis to the College’s recruitment tagline "See Anew," and will serve as a college greenspace in the heart of campus.
Board Chair George Parmer said the campus master planning study identified this facility as a phase-one priority and the board felt strongly that a new space to welcome prospective students and their families should be built as soon as possible. Accordingly, the board decided to take leadership in securing funds for this project and, in the fall 2017, conducted a quiet fundraising campaign, which raised significant funds for the project.
“President Phipps has provided extraordinary leadership to our campus. We couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute than to name this facility in her honor. All of us have experienced and been blessed by her gracious hospitality—on campus, at Orchard Hill, in the community and elsewhere,” added Eunice Steinbrecher, current trustee and former board chair. “President Phipps has also been visionary in advancing critical new admissions strategies for our institution—including adding online and graduate programs, new undergraduate majors and educational facilities, and strengthening Messiah’s national brand and visibility.”
This project addresses many current challenges and provides exciting opportunities for the College. Messiah believes this building will assist in laying the foundations for future Messiah graduates. The building will house admissions, financial aid and registrar upon completion, and will sit in the middle of campus, between Eisenhower Campus Center and Boyer Hall. Construction is set to begin in the summer of 2019.
How to get involved
The goal of the Office of Development is to raise $10,000,000 to fully cover construction costs. A total of $8.4 million has already been contributed by 100 percent of the current trustees, as well as gifts from the President’s Cabinet, several former board members, alumni, staff and friends. The College seeks to reach the $10,000,000 goal by the fall meeting of the Board of Trustees, scheduled for October 18, 2018.
“We anticipate that other alumni and friends of the College will want to participate in this important project, and believe that all costs of the project will be supported by contributions,” Parmer said.
Alumni, students, friends and the community have the opportunity to leave words of appreciation for President Phipps as well as donate any amount by going here.
Donors who contribute at the $25,000 level and above will be invited to an exclusive celebratory gala hosted by the Messiah College Board of Trustees to be held prior to the public dedication. Donors at the $1,000 level and greater will be listed on the honor roll of gratitude to be displayed in the new facility. All donors – regardless of the amount – will be invited to the dedication events once the new building is complete.
Learn more about the Kim S. Phipps Admissions and Welcome Center here.
Photo is an initial artist rendering and is subject to change.