By: Haylie Berkland and Daniel Schryer
On Friday, May 16, North Central students, faculty, alumni and members of the Naperville community gathered in the Residence Hall/Recreation Center to kick off the college’s Brilliant Future Campaign.
According to the college, “The Brilliant Future Campaign is one of our most transformative upgrades to academic facilities in the college’s history. The campaign will change North Central College forever while honoring the distinctive heritage that has made this the premier Chicagoland academic institution since 1861.”
As attendees settled in and took their seats, Rick Spencer, vice president of academic achievement, took the stage to kick-off the night.
“There is no community greater than Naperville,” Spencer said. “Tonight’s event is a culmination of incredible things on our campus.”
Spencer discussed the future of the college, explaining how alumni and community members have helped it to prosper, saying that, “(the) support for North Central is just amazing.”
Spencer concluded with thanking all those in attendance for their help and commitment to the college. “Your presence sends an incredibly strong signal about the strength of our college.”
Following this, Spencer introduced Holly Humphrey, a North Central graduate of 1979. Humphrey discussed her time at North Central, and what the experience of a small liberal arts college did for her.
President Hammond then took the stage to talk about what this campaign means to him.
“I knew when I accepted the presidency, now two and a half years ago, that this would be an exciting time for me, for my family, but, most of all, for North Central College,” Hammond explained. “But, wow, I had no idea how amazing it would be.”
“We’re part of something huge happening here,” Hammond continued. “Something that is transforming this college, something that is transforming Naperville, and something that’s changing the landscape of higher education.”
As North Central students and faculty know very well, part of this Brilliant Future Campaign is building the approximate 125,000 square foot science center that will stretch for one block along the Sesquicentennial Walkway. Hammond ensures the community that this $60 million building will be beneficial to all North Central students and faculty, and not just the science students and professors.
Faculty expect this new building to become a new and improved meeting space for students, with 19 student gathering places and 53 faculty and staff offices, along with a dining space.
“The new science center will be a resource for the entire North Central College community and beyond,” Hammond said, continuing with encouraging news for this project. “I’m thrilled to announce that today, at its spring meeting, the Board of Trustees gave unanimous and enthusiastic approval for the ground-breaking of this amazing new facility.”
In the midst of Hammond’s speech, a video was played above the stage in which chemistry professor Jeffrey Bjorklund walked attendees though a virtual tour of the building. “The new science center will help students understand the beauty of science in a liberal arts setting,” Bjorklund said.
After this, Hammond then regained the stage with more news. With the task of a $150 million campaign at hand, an unprecedented goal in the history of the College, Hammond announced that, “Thanks to the support of our trustees, alumni, and friends, we’ve already raised $40 million for this campaign.”
“We’re committed to preparing students to become brilliant citizens and leaders who will impact the world around them and make it a more brilliant place,” Hammond concluded. “We can’t do this standing still; we can’t do it alone. I hope you’ll join me on this remarkable journey. This campaign is our opportunity to shine brilliantly.”
Afterwards, the speeches gave way to a buffet-style gourmet dinner, featuring such dishes as golden potatoes and sirloin steak. The last leg of the event opened the dance floor to attendees and saw an equal amount of students and alumni dancing along to the music.
Guests were also given the opportunity to receive souvenirs, such as photo memorabilia from the free photo booth and drinking glasses provided at the dining tables.
