CEDARVILLE — A new residence hall to accommodate recent record enrollments, increased financial aid designed to help incoming Cedarville University students make college more affordable, and celebration of the largest estate gift in the university’s 131-year history were key items addressed by Cedarville University’s board of trustees at its October meeting last week.
In addition, the trustees approved 16 new faculty members, welcomed a new trustee, and reviewed the initial phase of a comprehensive 10-year master plan.
With Cedarville University having just welcomed two record freshman classes in a row, the trustees approved the construction of a 63,000-square-foot, approximately 300-bed facility to address the housing needs. The hall will provide private lounges on each wing for men and women, as well as a central lounge on the first floor. It will be located near the current apartment-style facilities and close to the athletic complex.
“Our residential philosophy is oriented around discipleship,” said Jon Wood, vice president for student life and Christian ministries. “This building continues our model of life-on-life discipleship in a residential community. The indoor and outdoor spaces associated with this residence hall will be built with community and spiritual growth in mind for the student body.”
This three-story building will be constructed by the Danis Corporation, and it will include four handicapped-accessible private rooms and a resident director’s apartment. The building, furniture, and infrastructure are expected to cost $13.3 million with no debt incurred for the project. The new hall is planned to open for the start of the 2019-20 academic year.
Continuing its efforts to increase affordability and accessibility for students, the trustees approved several increases in freshman academic scholarships for 2019-20. Academic scholarships for fall 2019 freshmen will range from $9,000-$20,000. While benefiting students, this year’s modest changes in financial aid opportunities also ensure the university maintains a healthy discount rate for long-term sustainability.
Trustees celebrated the late Roger and Charlotte Kuriger’s commitment to Christian higher education. The Kurigers bequeathed the majority of their estate to Cedarville University for student scholarships. The Kurigers’ $3.1 million gift is the largest estate gift in Cedarville’s 131-year history.
Charlotte Kuriger died earlier this year in her hometown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 96. She and Roger married July 3, 1942, and both enjoyed professional careers, Roger as an accountant and Charlotte as a secretary for Simmons Perrine law firm.
The funds will fund scholarships for Cedarville’s graduate nursing program and the undergraduate program in accounting through the endowed Roger and Charlotte Kuriger Scholarship Fund. This fund will make a Cedarville education possible for future students who are preparing for careers in advanced practice nursing or accounting.
“We are thankful for the gift from the Kurigers. Their generous gift will be used to equip our students to make a kingdom impact in their professions,” said Thomas White, president of Cedarville University. “The Kurigers’ commitment to sharing the Gospel and serving others reflects our heartbeat at Cedarville University.”
