Alumni, donors, student leaders, faculty and staff, and
friends of the College attended the event at the Cobb
Galleria Centre. The evening began with welcoming
remarks from Isherwood, followed by the invocation from
Billy Jones, president of Reinhardt’s Student Government
Association. Guests then enjoyed a seated dinner while
Reinhardt music students provided beautiful background
music.
Piano
soloist Charity Neese, a freshman from Jasper, Ga., and
Elizabeth Gibson, a sophomore from Tate, Ga., and vocal
soloists Jayme Dodd, a sophomore from Fairmount, Ga.,
and Timothy Parham (pictured left), a sophomore from
Carrollton, Ga., impressed the crowd with their talent
and range.
'Confirming Our Commitment'
Capital Campaign
Reinhardt’s
Board of Trustees Chairman William G. Hasty Jr. (below
right)thanked everyone who participated in the Capital
Campaign, and he and his wife, Capital Campaign
co-chair, Linda Nichols Hasty ’90 (below left), helped
reveal the Campaign totals. Isherwood kept the crowd in
suspense as he read each category and the total raised
while the Hastys turned pages of a large presentation
book that presented the same figures.
 The
Hasty’s heartfelt dedication to the school was apparent
in their comments. “Our sincerest
gratitude goes to all who love and support Reinhardt,”
said Mrs. Hasty. “Your investment in Reinhardt—whether
money, time or energy—will produce for the community a
real return on your investment.”
“The College’s ‘Confirming Our
Commitment’ Capital Campaign began in 2004 with a goal
of raising $17 million,” revealed Isherwood. “Through
the heartfelt giving of donors, Reinhardt has been able
to surpass that goal, raising almost $22 million,
including $3,286,187 in gifts for the Annual Fund and
$18,681,664 in gifts for the Capital Campaign fund
alone.”
The Capital Campaign has provided funds for student
scholarships, the construction of The Hasty Student Life
Center, the Fitness Center in the gymnasium, and the
renovation of Smith Johnston Hall and the Burgess
Administration Building.
Celebrating 125 Years
The night also commemorated the 125th
anniversary of the College’s founding. “As we prepare
for a new and exciting future, we first must always
honor our past,” explained Isherwood. “We honor the
commitment of so many individuals who have made this
institution possible by remaining consistent to our long
held values.”
“The Past Has Been Written,” a video presentation
produced by Larry Webb, assistant professor of
communication, and his students, highlighted Reinhardt’s
vibrant history. The video will be featured on You Tube
in the coming weeks. The College’s anniversary will be
recognized during the College’s special events in 2008,
including Honors Day, graduation and Alumni Day.
Looking Towards the Future
The Celebration Dinner honored Reinhardt’s past, but the
College’s future was also outlined. “We have a good
foundation for the future,” explained Isherwood. “We
know who we are. We know what we value. We are well
balanced as an institution having made good investments
in our people, in our programs, in our facilities and of
our endowment.”
Isherwood’s goal is for Reinhardt to grow to 1500
students—500 living on campus, 500 commuting to the
Waleska campus and 500 in off-campus programs.
Additional master’s programs in education and music and
online offerings are also in the planning stages.
“Our future is about our commitment to the values we
endorse and to the engaging, quality education that
builds confidence in our students,” explained Isherwood.
“It’s the love of these young people that moves us
forward, and what they bring to this College community
every year that makes this place so special.” |
