Imagining Our Future into Reality: Capital Campaign

Posted Sept. 14, 2007

Spain, Connecticut, Mexico and Duluth may not appear to have much in common, but for Northwestern Health Sciences University, they all play a role in fundraising for the “Imagine Our Future” Capital Campaign.

Although the public phase of the campaign was unveiled in February, President Mark Zeigler, DC, still has a long road ahead of him as he begins traveling to encourage others to support the University.

Visits on Dr. Zeigler’s agenda include a fundraiser in Miller, S.D. for the Ron Bubel Memorial where he is hoping to raise enough money to provide a scholarship next year; conferences in Europe and Mexico; and personal visits with alumni in various other states, from the Midwest to the East Coast.

Brady Forseth, director of development at Northwestern, said one-on-one personal visits with alumni are important.

“It’s nice to bring Northwestern to them,” Forseth said. “We haven’t forgotten about them, and we can share with them how they can play a part in the campaign. I really feel we’re on the brink of some big things.”

So far, about $4.7 million of the $8 million cash goal has been raised; the total goal of the five-year plan is $23 million. As the most aggressive capital campaign Northwestern has ever launched, there is a lot of work to be done, but those involved are optimistic.

The $8 million will fund immediate University needs, including $6.5 million for the construction of a new 48,000-square-foot addition on the south side of campus; $1 million for renovations to the current building; and $500,000 for a new Healing Courtyard connecting the two structures. The $15 million in planned gifts will be used to establish a permanent endowment to fund Northwestern’s long-term needs and new projects and programs. Several million has been raised toward the endowment goal, said Forseth.

Such an undertaking involves detailed planning. In addition to personal visits, state conventions and fundraisers, Forseth said Northwestern will be holding a phonathon in October, which will give alumni an opportunity to learn about the campaign and contribute.

Debbie Peterson, director of alumni, development and career services at Northwestern, said a Capital Campaign Web site is up and running, enabling people to go online and view slideshows of the renovations, watch the Capital Campaign video, and access a chart that tracks Northwestern’s fundraising efforts.

Peterson also said Northwestern will be requesting a grant from the Kresge Foundation, which is a $3 billion national foundation that aspires to build strong nonprofit organizations, with a primary focus on capital campaigns.

“If we receive the grant from Kresge, it will be for $750,000,” Peterson said. “I think our chances are pretty good.”

Kresge has a history of providing grants to chiropractic schools, making them an ideal foundation to approach for assistance.

It’s this type of resource utilization and ambition that seems to fuel the optimism of the Capital Campaign committee.

“I think we’ve done quite well,” Dr. Zeigler said, adding that committee co-chairs Alfred Traina, DC; Joseph Sweere, DC; and John Allenberg, DC; have much to do with the success thus far.

“They’re a key part of this campaign because they have so many contacts they’re working with,” Dr. Zeigler said. “They’re invaluable resources.”

Forseth said he is satisfied with the results thus far, but knows there are still connections to be made.

“We’ve had a lot of success with the capital campaign,” Forseth said. “We hope to continue that momentum and sustain it.”

Office of Alumni, Development and Career Services
Phone: (800/952) 888-4777, ext. 412 or ext. 237
Email: giving@nwhealth.edu