Judson College, the 177-year-old institution of Christian higher education for women, kicked off the public phase of its capital campaign, called Blessed Light – The Campaign for Judson College. The event formally announcing the campaign was held in Archibald Hall on the college’s campus in Marion Ala., on Thursday, June 11.
Dr. David E. Potts, President of Judson College, presided over the public kickoff. He told Judson’s friends and supporters at the gathering that the College is the most unique institution of higher education in America today. “The purpose of this Campaign is to keep this special place -– this blessed light — in the Black Belt of Alabama for future generations,” Dr. Potts said.
In concluding his remarks, Dr. Potts pointed out that the name for the Campaign, “Blessed Light,” comes from the College Alma Mater: “Mother Judson, Alma Mater, we would win life’s glorious fight. We, like thee, would live for service–like thee, send forth blessed light.”
The invocation was given by David Byrd, chair of Judson’s Board of Trustees and pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Jasper. In his opening prayer, Pastor Byrd asked God’s blessings on the Campaign, noting that it would “help Judson with its mission to be a beacon of God’s light in a dark world.”
The Campaign’s co-chairs, Fay Pridgen Kelsoe ’83 and Charlie Dunkin, explained that the Campaign has a Base Goal of $13,050,000 and a Challenge Goal of $20,400,000. To date, more than $6.6 million has been given or pledged.
A student testimonial was given by graduating senior, Haley Pham, a social work major from Bayou la Batre, Ala. She said that Judson College had been particularly important for her growth, both academically and spiritually.
Dr. Terry Morgan, Vice President for Advancement at Judson, explained how the Campaign will provide funds for facility construction and renovation, annual operating support, endowments, as well as capital debt reduction. “Meeting these goals will further strengthen Judson today and tomorrow,” Dr. Morgan said.
John Nicholson, Pastor of Siloam Baptist Church of Marion, Ala. and a member of Judson’s Board of Governors, concluded the remarks with a blessing. Lunch was then served, with music provided by Leah Washburn.
PHOTO: Blessed Light Campaign (l-r) Dr. David Potts, Judson College President; Fay Pridgen Kelsoe ’83, Campaign Co-chair; Haley Pham, Judson Student; Charlie Dunkin, Campaign Co-chair. PHOTO CREDIT: Al Benn