Central Methodist University opened its annual Homecoming festivities with the official launch of a new $30 million fundraising campaign aimed at funding student success, athletic achievement, and campus beautification during a kickoff party on Friday night.

Eagle Pride: The Campaign for Central’s Future has already raised more than half its goal, with $16 million pledged.

“Central has worked hard to stay ahead of the rapidly changing landscape of higher education over the past several decades, and we’ve seen a lot of changes come from that effort,” said university president Dr. Roger Drake. “One thing that has never and will never change is our commitment to student success. Through this new campaign, we’re continuing that effort to continue serving students in a more excellent way, meeting the needs of these students where they are.”

The most directly impactful portions of the three-point campaign are goals for student success. Campaign organizers aim to raise $11 million for endowment support, the Central Annual Fund, and specific programs geared toward retention and technological advancements.

The Pay It Forward initiative is one such program already contributing to student retention. In 2024, the program provided support for 15 students with outstanding balances between $575 and $ 4,000 to reduce their average debt to just $500. The campaign aims to develop this initiative further and create new programs to invest in students’ futures.

Contributions to the Annual Fund and the endowment will also be crucial in allowing Central to strengthen its present and future. Increased giving to the Annual Fund helps the University respond to its most pressing needs, while endowment gifts support Central’s ability to maintain long-term financial stability. All of this ensures that CMU can continue enhancing student experiences and advancing its mission for generations to come, the university said.

The most significant portion of the campaign for Central’s future involves upgrades and additions to the current athletic facilities, with the goal of elevating the experiences for both varsity and reserve student-athletes and enhancing the game-day experience for Eagle fans.

The campaign aims to raise $11.5 million for enhancements to the football, soccer, and track & field facilities. Notable projects under this goal include a purpose-built soccer facility at Alexander Field, a clubhouse for football and track athletes at Davis Field, and expanded spaces to support reserve athletes, intramural sports programs, and the marching band.

An additional $3 million is being sought to upgrade the facilities at Estes Baseball Field and the Cox Softball Complex. Work has already begun on updating the clubhouses for CMU teams and visitors, which will also benefit Fayette High School teams and other organizations using the fields. Also in the plans are enhancements to hitting and pitching practice facilities, scoreboards and broadcasting systems, as well as bleachers and concession stands for CMU fans.

Through the Eagle Pride campaign, one of the county’s most iconic buildings will receive some critical upgrades. A goal of $4 million has been set for the renovation of T. Berry Smith Hall, which has stood tall on campus since 1895.

Numerous projects are planned for the renovation, including the addition of an elevator to ensure ADA compliance, the renovation of the main floor and lobby, the addition of study areas, the replacement of the roof, and structural maintenance and repairs to the iconic building.

Central will also seek to raise $500,000 for the enhancement of its curb appeal and campus gateways, to enhance the University’s first impression on visitors and leave a lasting impact. The beautification project will focus on improving sidewalks, constructing new gateways, adding landscaping features, upgrading signage, and improving parking facilities.

The silent phase of the campaign has been ongoing since 2022 and has already raised more than half of the $30 million goal. To view the campaign’s progress and find more information about each aspect of the fundraising effort, visit the Eagle Pride Campaign page on the CMU website.