On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the University of Lynchburg marked the completion of its “One Lynchburg” comprehensive campaign by hosting a celebration dinner in the Hall Campus Center’s Memorial Ballroom. In attendance were the University’s advancement team and a group of University stakeholders who contributed to the campaign’s success.
The goal of One Lynchburg was to raise $40 million in seven years — by the end of 2025. Its slogan, “One Hive, One Heart, One Home,” referenced the three pillars of support it reinforced: endowed scholarships, research and service learning, and innovative learning and gathering spaces.
In his opening speech, Associate Vice President of Advancement Shawn Wood thanked the donors, highlighting the impact of their gifts.
“Tonight, we recognize the power of a community united behind one goal: Ensuring that this incredible institution continues to provide Lynchburg students with One Hive, One Heart, and One Home for generations to come.
“Without you, and so many like you, we would not have seen record-breaking GiveDays, nearly $4 million in gifts to The Lynchburg Fund, 36 realized planned gifts, and 43 newly created endowment funds, that helped us not only reach a goal we were told was unrealistic, but surpassed it.”
In her speech, President Alison Morrison-Shetlar provided historical context for the campaign, which began while the COVID-19 pandemic was still at large.
“Back then, the world was uncertain,” she said. “We had literally no way of knowing how long the challenges we were facing would last. There was no playbook, and responses needed to ensure this institution’s success were changing from minute to minute.”
According to Morrison-Shetlar, the administration was told, “We would be lucky if we did very, very little in terms of raising funds. … But they didn’t account for the extraordinary determination of this Hive. …
“I’m thrilled to announce that we didn’t just meet that goal, we shattered it!”
At a drumroll from the audience, Wood and some of the advancement team lined up in front of the stage — Tom Burrowes ’93, ’21 MA, senior director of development and alumni relations, Becca Hatcher ’13, ’16 MBA, director of annual giving and alumni communications, Bethany Walker, major gifts officer, and Sharon Davies, stewardship coordinator.
Each held up cards showing the final donation amount: $42,176,562.22.
In addition to beating the monetary goal of $40 million, the University also beat their time goal — five years instead of seven.
“Thanks to your generosity, we have revitalized our student experience,” Morrison-Shetlar said.
“From the KP Golf Performance Center, and the Enza Steele Champions Walk, to the beautiful new Crank Plaza and renovations in Hobbs-Sigler Hall laboratories and Hundley Hall, you have ensured our students learn and grow in an environment that reflects our commitment to excellence. …
“WonNation is stronger than ever! You provided new weight equipment in Wake, updated seating and scorer’s tables in Turner Gym, and that incredible new video board on Shellenberger Field. …
“You established the endowment for the Men’s Lacrosse program, provided support for updates to the Equestrian Center. …
“As someone who is the first in my family to go to university, I know that education is a transformative power that changes the trajectory of a life forever.
“Every penny of this $42 million is an investment in that transformation. You, and so many others, didn’t give to the campaign; you gave to students who got the opportunity to reach their maximum potential.”
To show donors the true impact of their generosity, the coordinators played videos of students explaining how One Lynchburg had made a difference in their lives.
“As an independent veteran student and one of nine children, this help is incredibly important to me,” said Da’Janaeia Johnson ’27. “It creates a path for me to excel academically and athletically, significantly reducing the financial strain that previously forced me to leave school.”
Another student, Jaime Ceja ’27, said the funds helped him fully commit to his academic goals.
“The board’s north star will always be our students,” said Julie P. Doyle, chair of the board of trustees, during her speech. “In a time when higher education faces many headwinds, the University of Lynchburg is committed to sailing forward with a purpose.”
To close out the ceremony, Price Jett, vice president of finance and operations services and chief financial officer, took the stage to give “the final thank you of the evening.”
“This University has always believed, from the days of Josephus and Sarah Hopwood to tonight, that education is not about instruction. It is about transformation. It is the moment when the young person discovers who they are, what they can do, and the kind of life that awaits them.”
Before making his exit, Jett welcomed Burrowes to the stage with a surprise announcement.
“I have no idea what’s about to happen,” Jett said. “Tom, I’m going to turn the floor over to you.”
Burrowes took the stage. “I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the 30 years that I’ve been here and continue to be here and will stay here,” he said.
Then, the announcement: “I decided last week that I am going to leave my entire retirement here at the college. Since we’re talking numbers, it’s valued — at this point — at $1.2365 million.”
The room erupted in applause, and Burrowes received a standing ovation before leaving the stage.
“I don’t know how to follow that,” the president quipped, “but the bar is open!”
During dinner, Dr. Julius Sigler ’62, ’15 DSc, a former professor and dean at Lynchburg, said he felt “a sense of accomplishment” to see the end of the campaign, calling it “a foundation to build on for the future.”
Sue Tatom ’88 said that watching the student impact videos made her proud, noting, “There’s so much opportunity for anybody, and that we can make it possible for them to excel in any way we can.”
When asked what “One Hive, One Heart, One Home” meant to her, she said, “It’s the family that you meet here. … the people that are so genuine about why they’re interested in you. … That’s what it means to me to be a Hornet.”
