DePauw's 2020 plan, the university's strategic initiative to improve both the outward and inward elements of the university, is ahead of schedule, but has a long way to go.
The 2020 plan, presented by President Brian Casey two years ago at a state of the university address, is a set of goals emphasizing improvement on campus by the plan's namesake, the year 2020. DePauw is working its way from the outside in by first focusing on the campuses' physical appearance.
The university has used at least $4.7 million for existing projects directly connected to the 2020 plan with at least $30 million in major gifts coming in this year towards future projects.
Brad Kelsheimer, vice president of finance and administration, would not project the cost of future projects of the plan, but said that the plan is 10 percent ahead of schedule.
Just this semester, two projects, the Anderson St. construction and the new university bookstore, were results of the university's initiative. Eli's Books opened at the end of September, complete with a brand new Starbucks. Both projects were estimated to be over $2 million, according to Kelsheimer. Each though will be partially funded the Stellar Communities Grant, a $19 grant the city of Greencastle received from the Indiana state government.
One million dollars was used from the grant for the bookstore and Starbucks as well as 80 percent of the total cost of the Anderson St. renovation.
Vice President of Finances and Administration Brad Kelsheimer said the changes connected to the plan are necessary to compete with other universities.
But even with all these changes, DePauw's students, faculty, staff and visitors have only seen the beginning phase of 2020 in its entirety.
The plan consists of a lot of pieces and focuses on physical expression Kelsheimer says.
The first step focuses on first impressions, like the Emison and Anderson St. projects. The second step will focus on the core of campus, which includes a new dining hall as well as renovations to the Lilly Center, Roy O. West library and possibly the residence halls.
The progress towards the campaign's goals has been made faster than Kelsheimer anticipated.
"The physical phase is ahead of where we thought, and the funds are coming in quicker than we anticipated," Kelsheimer said.
Two large donations from DePauw alums in the past month have helped expedite the process. A $25 million donation from the R. David Hoover '67 and Suzanne Hoover '67 will go towards scholarships funds and the construction of a new dining facility, R. David and Suzanne Hoover Hall. Additionally, a $5 million donation by Scott '82 and Kimberlee Welch was made for significant renovations towards the existing Lilly Center. The gift from the Welch's will fund a 16,000 square foot addition to the East side of the building and is the first phase of the athletic master plan.
The improvements around campus add to the overall DePauw experience Kelsheimer says.
"Physical facilities help with intellectual life, faculty working and students experience," Kelsheimer said.
Even with the progress made, there are still a lot of renovations included in the master plan that still need to be funded and started on. Much of the focus for the remaining goals of the plan is raising capital from donors. The university is currently working on getting funds for the Union Building, which will be expanded into student services and advising offices. There is still money needed to fund a faculty dinning hall and more meeting spaces for groups of students.