ODU Receives One Million Dollar Gift from Bishop and Diocese

December 10, 2003

COLUMBUS, OHIO - On December 8, 2003, history was made when Ohio Dominican University announced the largest single gift in the university's 93-year history. That evening, with more than 200 alumni/ae and friends at the annual President's Dinner, Bishop James A. Griffin presented a $1 million naming gift to Ohio Dominican, on behalf of the Diocese of Columbus. The gift will be used for ODU's planned Student Center - to be called the Bishop James A. Griffin Student Center.

In making the announcement, Ohio Dominican University President Jack Calareso said,"Bishop Griffin has been a public and energetic supporter of Ohio Dominican. He supports us in many ways... through his words and actions … through his presence on a regular basis to our faculty, staff, students and alumni … and through his financial support. When we discussed the need for a Student Center on campus, he understood even better than I did the importance of space and time for the development of faith and values."

In response to the standing ovation at the President's Dinner, Bishop Griffin stated, "As you know, Ohio Dominican is the only Catholic university in our Diocese and I am heartened by its abiding commitment to its Catholic and Dominican traditions and values….Clearly the need for programs and facilities is essential. However, tonight we celebrate much more than a building. We celebrate all of the students and graduates of Ohio Dominican who have been transformed by their Catholic and Dominican education."

"This university does more than provide a quality education; it transforms lives…But quality education and the transformative environment require buildings, facilities and resources. So the announcement this evening of the commitment to building a Student Center is vitally important to the future of the university. The gift from the Diocese affirms that commitment of these special graduates, and all the graduates and friends of Ohio Dominican," he added.

In addition to Bishop Griffin's gift, President Calareso announced that the University's National Alumni/AE Board had pledged its support for the Student Center project as well. At the President's Dinner, Rose Mary Fry, Chairperson of the National Alumni Board, announced that there has been 100 percent participation by the Board and that pledges and gifts have already exceeded $100,000.

Ohio Dominican hopes to break ground for the Center sometime in late 2004 or early 2005. The building will be among the most prominent on ODU's main campus. Located next to Alumni Hall west of Sunbury Road, it will be situated in the natural surroundings of the campus, with views of the creek and woodlands nearby.

The Bishop A. Griffin Student Center will have several features designed to appeal to students. It will be the focal point for most student activities outside of the classroom, and the central gathering place for dining, entertainment, and a variety of co-curricular and social activities. The Center will feature an expansive main lobby, a dining room and other food facilities, admissions offices, financial aid and student support services, additional worship/reflection space, an entertainment area, and various conference and meeting rooms. With its close proximity to Alumni Hall, the Center will connect to an expanded space for recreation and exercise.

The building will also serve as a valuable community resource for the university's friends and neighbors, serving as a prime site for special events and community functions. The university will work with the Diocese to create a permanent area within the Griffin Center to house an interactive tribute to the Diocese of Columbus and all of its Bishops.

The projected cost of the facility is between $15 and $20 million. The majority of funds will be secured through an aggressive fundraising campaign. ODU is conducting preliminary discussions with several potential lead-gift donors, and exploring several other financial options to ensure that the Student Center project receives adequate funding support.

The Student Center is a central component of Phase One of the university's Master Plan, part of an overall strategy to build Ohio Dominican's reputation as one of the nation's preeminent Catholic universities. In addition to the Student Center, other Master Plan projects include a multi-purpose stadium and athletic facility, playing fields and expansion of Alumni Hall. That project is scheduled to break ground in Spring 2004. Two new residence halls, already under construction, will open in August 2004.

The Bishop James A. Griffin Student Center