In less than a year since its public launch, and with its thirteenth commitment of a million dollars or more coming in this week, Asbury University has already raised $47.6 million towards its five-year capital campaign goal of $60,000,000.

On Tuesday, Asbury officials announced a $1 million grant that will support the construction of Asbury’s new Collaborative Learning Center (CLC). The CLC will impact hundreds of students in math, science, business and allied health programs by updating laboratory space and equipment, creating a collaborative learning environment and driving interdisciplinary academic programming. The grant supports Phase 1 construction of the CLC, specifically funding an initiative to name the building’s atrium in honor of former professor Don K. Winslow ’65.

“This gift powerfully supports Asbury’s vision for interdisciplinary learning, and it will make a long-lasting difference in the lives of our students as they go out to impact the world for Christ,” said Asbury President Sandra C. Gray.

Upon completion, the CLC will home to the Natural Science & Allied Health Department and Math Department, as well as the Howard Dayton School of Business. It’s anticipated to accommodate 130 students majoring in the natural and allied sciences, 70 majoring in the quantitative sciences and 400 majoring in business. The approximately 80,000 square feet. CLC is expected to include 10-14 science laboratories, 10-13 classrooms, 20-25 faculty offices, two conference rooms and a 300-seat auditorium.

The $1 million grant from the James Graham Brown Foundation is the foundation’s largest-ever gift to Asbury, continuing a relationship that also includes major investments in Asbury’s Kinlaw Library, Miller Center for Communication Arts and School of Education initiatives in Eastern Kentucky.

“We believe Asbury’s Collaborative Learning Center will help equip students for careers in math, sciences, and entrepreneurship,” said Mason Rummel, James Graham Brown Foundation President. “Building an educated citizenry and talented workforce in Kentucky is a top priority for the Foundation.”

Sixteen percent of Asbury’s out-of-state students stay in the central Kentucky area after graduation, further enriching Kentucky communities with their creativity, character and commitment to service.

“The grant is yet another recognition that Asbury’s vision is compelling, and that the institution is positioned to make a significant impact in the pressing societal issues facing Kentuckians,” said Charlie Shepard ’99, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Asbury. “We remain grateful for the foundation’s generous support and continued partnership, and look forward to the tangible impact Asbury’s Collaborative Learning Center will have on future generations.”

For more on the Ignited Campaign, visit asbury.edu/ignited.