Welcome to St. Andrews Presbyterian College

St. Andrews Surpasses 'Share The Vision' Campaign Goal

Alumni and Friends Contribute $36,603,835 over eight-year period

Eight years ago, St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, N.C., embarked on its “Share the Vision” Campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort ever undertaken by the College. Initially, the campaign set a goal of raising $25 million within five years, but in 2003 the goal was increased to $35 million and the campaign was extended for another three years.

The primary objectives of the campaign were to raise money to fund capital improvements, build endowments and support operational expenses. In a special celebration ceremony Thursday afternoon before 100 friends and supporters of the College, an enthusiastic President Dr. John Deegan, Jr., announced the conclusion of the campaign. The final figure?

$36,603,835.

“What an incredible achievement!” said Deegan. “It is phenomenal. We couldn’t have done it without you and without many others over the years.”

The announcement also came at the conclusion of the College’s annual community fundraising effort, the Laurinburg/Scotland County Area Campaign to benefit the college. Debi and Wayne Hobbs, co-chairs of the local effort and alumni of the college, announced donations of $510,157 surpassing, for the eleventh consecutive year, the half million dollar campaign goal.

“I don’t remember not working on a St. Andrews campaign,” said Wayne Hobbs. “But in the last 20 years, I didn’t have as much fun as this year. We put the team together and I got out of the way.

“Debi and I came to realize years ago that we love this place and we also realize that we love the people who love this place.”
Along with the philanthropic announcements came comments from Deegan about the College’s continued growth in its student body. More than 800 students are expected to be enrolled this fall at the small liberal arts college in rural North Carolina.

“I have now been involved in higher education for more than 30 years,” said Deegan, “and I know of no other college that is as supported and blessed as this one by its community. We are the envy of many other colleges across the country.”

Dr. John Deegan, Jr.(center), President of St. Andrews, announces the campaign contributions as Paul Baldasare (left), vice president for institutional advancement, and David L. Burns , chair of the College's Board of Trustees, unveil the announcement banner.

Read Dr. Deegan's Speech

         Deegan praised Paul Baldasare, the college’s vice president for institutional advancement. Baldasare oversaw the eight-year campaign from its planning stages through successful completion.
          The funds raised during the college’s “Share the Vision” Campaign were placed into immediate use including scholarships for students, capital improvements, endowments, operational expenses, and improved faculty and staff salaries.
         During the course of the campaign, the college saw tremendous growth in its equestrian program, now considered one of the nation’s elite academic and competitive venues. Campus buildings have received much needed repairs and the campus is undergoing a beautification effort. Athletic teams and student clubs have also increased over the past several years.
          “The ‘Share the Vision’ Campaign was a very courageous undertaking,” said Deegan. “As a relatively young college with a small alumni and donor base, attaining the goal of raising $35 million within eight years is a truly remarkable and noteworthy accomplishment and one in which all friends of St. Andrews can be proud.”