By Johanna Hoffman ’17, communication major
McPherson College raised $90,915 from more than 200 donors during it’s third annual “Power Day” event to support students and programs on campus. The event far surpassed the college’s goal to raise $50,000. Donations came from alumni and friends in all 50 states.
“Power Day met and exceeded expectations,” said advancement officer Dave Barrett ’90. “There was an outpouring of enthusiasm, joy, and passion by alumni who shared stories from 50 years ago, as well as from those who graduated last year.”
Brent Paul, ’00, kicked off Power Day’s success with a $20,000 donation to start an endowed scholarship fund.
The Paul family, who now live in California, have also invested in numerous community real estate projects in McPherson, including the Terra Nova Luxury Apartment complex. Paul says he invests both in the college and community, because it has had such a great impact on his life.
“This all happened because of the relationships we built here,” Paul said. “This is a great community and relationships are everything. That’s why we ended up back here today to invest again in McPherson and the college. This particular scholarship means a lot, because we want to invest in this community.”
McPherson College President Michael Schneider says support by alumni, such as the Paul family, is “necessary and important” to the future success of McPherson College.
“Their investment in Terra Nova properties and giving access to our students has been a great partnership and important element to our local economy.”
This year’s Power Day theme was Bulldogs Across the Nation. Leading up to Power Day, alumni in every state were invited to share their experiences at McPherson College. These comments were then posted on McPherson College’s Facebook page.
Donors were also encouraged to leave comments when they made their donations, and those comments are also displayed on McPherson College’s website. Common themes in their stories were relationships, support, and quality of education.
“I support McPherson College not only because the MC family supported me, my spirit and my drive while I was a student there, but also because they continue to support me even now that I’ve moved on,” said Melisa Leiter-Grandison ’11. “I want to help ensure that future Bulldogs have similar opportunities for many years to come.”
Building on the success of this year, Barrett is eager to continue momentum for Power Day 2018.
“McPherson College is a special place because of the people. We’re excited about 2018 and what Power Day might hold. The bar is set really high by alumni, and the college is looking forward to next year.”
Power Day is McPherson College’s one-day, online giving blitz that was held on April 27th. The annual event was conceived as a replacement of the traditional phonathon fundraiser that utilizes the newer technologies of e-commerce, social media and streaming video. More information can be found at www.mcpherson.edu/power