Defining Moments Capital Campaign

A NOTE: The story below is an article I wrote for my journalism class and a version of this story appeared in last week's Cosmos. This event was fantastic; it was so great to see Coe doing amazing things. For another perspective, check out this article. 

Coe College students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and friends filled Sinclair Auditorium on Thursday night to celebrate a successful seven-year capital campaign that raised 90 million dollars for the college.

Members of the Coe community arrived at Sinclair before the program to enjoy refreshments and to listen to the Coe College Jazz Band. Sinclair Auditorium was artfully decorated with crimson and gold colored lights as well as a backdrop of twinkling blue stars.

The hour-long program featured Coe alumni from five decades as they explained what the campaign was and how the money was and would be used. Between these speeches, more Coe alumni and current students were featured in musical numbers. Pictures and video footage were also displayed on the three screens above the center podium.

Coe alumnus and Fox NFL Sunday talk-show host, Curt Menefee, emceed the program. Although two teleprompters were placed at the front of the stage, Menefee was extremely comfortable, not afraid to throw in a joke or two before returning to the written script.  

The Defining Moments Campaign was Coe’s largest capital campaign, publicly kicking off in December 2008. The goal of the campaign was to raise 80 million dollars to increase the college’s endowment, to enlarge and improve the science facilities, to expand the physical size of campus, and to grow the Coe Fund.   

“This will benefit Coe students for years to come,” said Shirley Hughes, a 1967 graduate who gave a general overview of the campaign.

Once the sections of the campaign had been introduced, Gene Henderson, a 1968 graduate who was the chairman of the campaign, came to the stage to announce the final number. A drumroll began and Henderson proudly stated how much money had been raised. The audience rose to their feet while 90 million flashed on the screens and walls of Sinclair.

“This puts Coe in the strongest and most secure financial position,” said Henderson.

President Phifer made the concluding remarks of the program, saying, “Coe College is a special place on this planet.” He emphasized the transformation that occurs at Coe during a student’s four years. “In this place, lives are changed for the better,” he said.  

As the lights came on and the audience began filing out of Sinclair, there was a buzz in the air. Not only was this a celebration, but also an educational experience. “It was interesting to see [alumni] perspectives and learn about the Coe Fund and endowment,” said sophomore Peter Madsen. “I didn’t know how those worked.”

“As Joe McCabe use to tell me, ‘It’s a great day for Coe Jim, a great day for Coe’” said Phifer.