JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – In 2014, the University of Jamestown set out to raise $60 million which would go on to expand the campus, facilities, and student opportunities.

In 2019, the University will hope to have reached that goal.

The campaign Opening Doors, Transforming Lives has been lead by a steering committee chaired by Board Members Elmber Schindel and Ed Nafus. Other members include Jim Unruh, Kari Newman Ness, Dick Hall, Jo-Ida Hansen, Jeremy Wells, Jeff Young, Will Bernhagen, and Steve Bietz.

Karen Crane is the Executive Director of Development and Campaigns. She says to reach their goal in five years, they feel very fortunate for all the support.

The three parts of the campaign include Academic Excellence, Athletic and Co-Curricular Excellence, and AFfordability for All Students. The campaign has assisted in building the McKenna-Thielsh Science Complex, the Harold Newman Arena, the renovation of the Hansen Center to the J-House, Student Success Center, Alumni Center in the Badal Nafus Center and more.

Crane pointed out that a very important part of the campaign is the endowment and annual support scholarship funds, which start at $10,000.

Crane says the endowments will exist in perpetuity and thrive off of the interest earned over time. Once the campaign is completed, a celebration will be held during Homecoming week on Saturday, October 5th, 2019 at the Harold Newman Arena.