Catholic Student Center at USF

I would like to take this opportunity to give a final report on the 2007-2008 Capital Campaign for the Campus Ministry Endowment Fund.

The Endowment Fund for Campus Ministry at the Catholic Student Center was created in August 2000 in order to assure the future of Catholic campus ministry at USF. The goal for the original campaign was $50,000. We collected approximately $55,000 by the end of the 2000-2001 fiscal year. Thanks to ongoing support from a few members of our community, and some one-time gifts, the Fund balance grew to a little over $112,000 by August 2007.

On September 24, 2007 we celebrated the Fortieth Anniversary of the dedication of our Chapel. At that time I proposed to you the idea of doing a second Capital Campaign for the Endowment Fund. In honor of the Anniversary the goal for the Campaign was set at $40,000. Each family was asked to contribute $500 over the course of the following year.

At about the time that we began this second campaign I was approached by the Station Manager of Spirit FM 90.5, our diocesan radio station. Spirit FM had just started an project to raise funds for a new location for the broadcast studio. I was asked for, and agreed to pledge, $5,000 from the Catholic Student Center for the new studio location. I announced to you that I planned to give Spirit FM the first $5,000 collected after our campaign goal was reached.

The campaign began well, and soon received a big boost from a couple who are members of our community. The couple offered a matching funds challenge grant; any contribution made to the Campaign would be matched dollar for dollar up to the total goal amount for the campaign.

Thanks to your generosity, and the matching funds grant, we collected a total of $69,425 by the time the campaign concluded in September 2008. We were able to fulfill our pledge to Spirit FM, and bring the balance of the Endowment Fund to $185,138.

I want to thank all of you for your continued support and generosity. Your participation in our community events provides a faith home for our students, regular members and visitors. I ask you to join me in giving thanks to the Lord for the many blessings that we have received. May the Lord make us always grateful.