Wartburg College has received a $500,000 R.J. McElroy Trust challenge grant for the planned renovation of Clinton Hall.

The McElroy commitment will better enable the college to reach the $8 million needed to fund the capital centerpiece of the $75 million Transforming Tomorrow campaign. With the addition of the McElroy gift, more than $7.5 million has been raised for the project.

The successful match of the McElroy grant by May 31, along with a previously announced $1 million challenge gift from Ray and Judy McCaskey, will enable construction to conclude before students return in the fall.

"We're excited to support the Clinton Hall renovation,” said Stacy Van Gorp, executive director of the McElroy Trust. “We are impressed with the way Wartburg is re-imagining when, where and how transformative learning takes place.”

The trust was established by R.J. McElroy, a pioneer Iowa broadcaster, upon his death in 1965. The proceeds are to be used for the benefit of deserving young people.

“Inspired by the innovative ideas Wartburg has for integrating students’ living and learning environment, as well as the positive momentum created by our early leadership donors to the Clinton Hall project, the McElroy Trust has provided critical support that will allow us to engage the rest of the Wartburg community in successfully completing our fundraising efforts,” said Darrel Colson, president of the college. “We are confident our alumni and friends will rally around this McElroy challenge grant and enable us to create this distinctive educational resource for our students.”

The Clinton Hall project includes major interior updates and a new addition, including:

  • Updated student rooms, with new furniture, wall finishes and flooring, as well as modern bathroom facilities.
  • A modern classroom, tutoring and collaborative study spaces, a computer lab and a faculty apartment.
  • Energy-efficient upgrades, including a new roof, new windows and updated plumbing, electrical and heating systems, as well as air conditioning throughout.
  • Social and gaming lounges and a small movie theater.
  • An accessible entrance and elevator that will make Clinton Hall compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To learn more about the Clinton Hall project or to donate, call 866-219-9115 or visit www.wartburg.edu/clinton.

Courtesy: Pam Ohrt via YouTube

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