Changes continue popping up around HPU’s campus
By Nicholas Bainbridge
High Point University has become famous for its constant growth and improvement. In the past twelve years, the school’s campus has undergone an extreme transformation, eclipsing its humble beginnings. According to the university’s official blog, student enrollment has tripled since 2005. In the same span of time, the total size of the campus has swelled from 740,000 square feet to an astronomical four million square feet.
How is such exponential growth feasible? It is all thanks to the hard work of High Point University’s Institutional Advancement team; a dedicated group of individuals who focus on improving every aspect of the college. They are responsible for the majority of changes that have taken place at High Point University in recent years. Many of the buildings on campus are relatively new, with nearly 100 new buildings being constructed or acquired in the past year. Congdon Hall, Cottrell Hall, and Caffey Hall are all notable examples of donation funded buildings. Beyond territory, the advancement team has also made a lot of contributions to student life. More funding allows the university to spend more money on academic and athletic programs Furthermore, gifts to the university also contribute to student scholarships, allowing students who would otherwise not be able to afford attending High Point University to receive an extraordinary education.
Just as important as the members of the Institutional Advancement are the benefactors who provide them with the financial support they need to improve the college. When Christopher Dudley, Senior Vice President of Development at High Point University, was asked about Institutional Advancement, this was what he had to say: “As an HPU graduate from the class of 1994, I am so proud to have been a part of the incredible transformation that that has taken place at my alma mater. In large part, this transformation has been made possible by the generous support of alumni, family, and friends of the University. Our investors have assisted us in adding the state-of-the-art facilities and programs, new faculty and staff, and additional scholarship funding for deserving students. Without these individuals, HPU would not be what it is today.”
Donations often come from a wide range of different benefactors, including associates of the university, family members of students, and even several alumni who are grateful for what their time at High Point has taught them. These donations are a huge factor in what projects the university can pursue, as in the past year over 51 million dollars were donated to the university. Those donations alone made up a fifth of the college’s budget in that year. Because of this, everyone who attends High Point University is indebted to the charitable benefactors who support the institution.
Giving to High Point University is simple and easy as the donation process has been streamlined to be accessible. “Donors may make a gift online, or speak with one of our advancement officers. We encourage giving at all levels. Participation is extremely important. All gifts are meaningful and matter,” said Christopher Dudley when questioned on how someone could help contribute to High Point University’s development.