Robert Powell, III// February 28, 2014//
Christopher Newport University in Newport News has begun what it describes as the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history, with a goal of raising $42 million by June 30, 2017.
The CNU Board of Visitors announced the public phase of “Defining Significance: The First Comprehensive Campaign for Christopher Newport University” on Friday.
CNU already has raised $32 million during the campaign's “silent” phase, including $5 million from Smithfield Foods and a $12 million, 30-year commitment from Ferguson Enterprises, of which nearly $7 million will count toward the campaign goal.
“Defining Significance” is chaired by John Lawson, president and CEO of W.M. Jordan Co, whose family today pledged $1 million toward the campaign.
The “Defining Significance” campaign identifies five key priorities, the most important of which is funding scholarships to reward merit and address financial need for exceptional students.