Indiana University East announced today the public launch of “Bold Aspirations: The Campaign for the Student Events Center” at its annual Spirit of Philanthropy Luncheon at Forest Hills Country Club.

The Student Events Center will be a $4.7 million multi-purpose addition to Springwood Hall. The facility will promote student success through a comprehensive offering of co-curricular opportunities.

IU East has committed $3 million to the project from savings and efficiencies created over the past few years. The philanthropic goal is $1.7 million. IU East has received more than $1.2 million to date in donations toward the capital campaign.

“The addition of a Student Events Center is a game-changer for our campus,” said Interim Chancellor Larry Richards. “The facility will enhance both academic and student life at IU East, serving thousands of students through programming in health and wellness, physical education, athletics, and student activities. It is an important initiative for our campus and our community, culminating all that we have achieved thus far and setting the stage for new achievements in the future.”

Community leaders Dan and Angie Dickman and Bill and Felicia Quigg are serving as campaign co-chairs.

“The increasing enrollment at IU East has been very well-received in our region, given how important the campus is to the economic development of the area,” said Angie Dickman. “The new Student Events Center will further cultivate an active, vibrant student life program, making IU East a true destination campus for students.”

Since 2007, IU East has experienced remarkable growth. This fall the campus reached a record-breaking enrollment mark with 4,186 students, an 85 percent increase over five years.

“The focus of the Student Events Center and the capital campaign is about retaining and graduating the growing number of students we are attracting – those who will, in turn, shape and lead our region as graduates,” said Rob Zinkan, vice chancellor for External Affairs. “The Student Events Center will create opportunities for campus engagement that have consistently been linked to increased student success.”

For more information on “Bold Aspirations: The Campaign for the Student Events Center,” contact Stephanie Hays-Mussoni, director of Gift Development, at (765) 973-8331 or email shaysmus@iue.edu.