
Music Campaign UpdateThe $10.5 million campaign to fund a School of Music expansion (ICQ, fall 1996) has so far raised more than $8.3 million in gifts and pledges. Scheduled to end in May 1998, the campaign recently received several major gifts, from both local and national sources. |
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In June the Kresge Foundation, an independent, private foundation created by the personal gifts of Sebastian S. Kresge, awarded the College a $500,000 challenge grant. The gift will serve as the capstone to the campaign once it reaches the $10 million mark. The Presser Foundation has pledged $150,000 over two years. In recognition of this gift, the instrumental music hall will be named in its honor. Finally, the Tompkins County Trust Company has given a $25,000 challenge grant as part of a commitment by the Friends of Ithaca College to raise $100,000 for the facility's green room/reception area. To be named for the Friends, the area will be adjacent to the 250-seat recital hall. Any money raised over the $100,000 goal will be added to the Friends of Ithaca College scholarship endowment and earmarked for local music students. Ground was broken in March for the 55,000-square-foot addition to Ford Hall. It was announced Commencement weekend that the new facility will be named the James J. Whalen Center for Music in honor of the outgoing president's 22-year legacy (see page 26). |