'The Fitz' Groundbreaking set for March 5 All Gracelanders are cordially invited to attend a groundbreaking Monday, March 5th for the new Fitzgerald Fitness Center to be built on Graceland's Lamoni campus. The ceremony will take place at noon in the area between the Higdon Administration Building and the Roy A. Cheville Chapel, where the construction will take place. It is one of the most picturesque places on campus. A reception will be held following the groundbreaking. The facility, to be known as 'The Fitz,' is expected to be a roughly five-month-long construction project and it is intended to be completed and ready for students when they arrive this fall. Janet (Braun) '61 and Bob Fitzgerald, whose generosity made the project possible, will be on hand for the celebration. Read more about "The Fitz."

 

'Curtains Up on a Great Future' Don't forget to mark your calendars now for what promises to be one of the most spectacular Graceland Homecomings in history October 19-21, 2012. As this year's theme proclaims, it will indeed be 'Curtains Up on a Great Future' that weekend for the dedication of the historic renovation and expansion of the Shaw Center after a $16 million, 16-month construction project. World-class entertainers, including renowned trumpet soloist Jens Lindemann (for two major concerts), and actor, director and writer Arliss Howard (for master classes and presentations) will be on campus to help fuel the gala celebration. Shaw project benefactors JR '56 and Carol Shaw, and their family, will be on campus to mark completion of the transformational project. We think you will be awed by what central campus is going to look like in October. Read more about the Shaw project and check Graceland's Facebook pages for frequently updated construction photos. Check here for early information about Homecoming.

Graceland Forever: The Campaign for Graceland University The most ambitious capital campaign in Graceland history is off to a tremendous start after its launch at Homecoming last October. All great capital campaigns are based on this simple, yet critical, concept: know who you are, where you want to go, and what you need to get there. Our donors understand that our goal of raising $75 million is based on our ability to follow through with Graceland's strategic plan and accomplish what we are here to do: transform young lives. Our president, Dr. John D. Sellars, likens the Graceland Forever campaign to "all of Graceland's stars aligning at the perfect time in university history." Call President Sellars at 641-784-5112, or email him at sellars@graceland.edu and ask him about the campaign. There is nothing he enjoys more than to talk to alumni and friends about Graceland. Call Graceland Development at 800-645-3582 to learn much more about this exciting campaign. Go to Graceland Forever to learn more about the many ways you can support your alma mater.

Alumni Endowed Scholarship Applications due March 15 Alumni Programs is now accepting applications for the prestigious Alumni Endowed Scholarship awards. All descendants of Graceland alumni are eligible. Anyone who completed 12 semester hours or more is considered as alumni. This scholarship program is renewable for four years and recipients are chosen by a special committee of the Alumni Board of Directors. All applications are due by March 15, 2012 and can be obtained by calling 641-784-5258, or email alumni@graceland.edu.

The Coliseum Theatre is getting a 'WOW' Makeover Graceland and the people and businesses of Lamoni are partnering to fund a series of remarkable renovations to the venerable Coliseum theatre downtown. A lot of you reading this will remember your special memories from movie nights when you were a student. There is a lot of history in that old theatre. Well, the updates are going to be dramatic, and they come just in time for the theatre's 100th birthday. Alumni and a number of Lamoni donors are making the project possible. Laurie (Nipper) '85 and Randy Heintz made the lead gift and got the project moving forward. Now, in three phases, the Coliseum will undergo changes to ensure another century of memories. Read more about the Coliseum and this story of 'town' and 'gown' getting together for a truly great project.

Big News for GU Basketball Stars The efforts of two GU basketball standouts have placed them in the national spotlight in the last few weeks. On the women's team, Florida Siaosi, a senior from Apple Valley, CA, has just been named 'Player of the Year' in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. Florida, a 5'11" forward, averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds per game, with a 37 percent shooting average. On the men's side, Brad Burgess, a senior from Osceola, IA, broke the 1,000-points-scored milestone at a game February 25. The transfer student scored 538 points this year and 473 as a junior. Brad has averaged 19 points per game, 20th in the NAIA nationally. For more information about these two great student athletes, and much more about our Yellowjacket teams, visit the GU Athletics website.

Graceland Faculty Named for Fulbright Scholarships It is rare for prestigious Fulbright Scholarship opportunities to come along. Very rare! So it was great news this week that two among our faculty are joining the elite group of educators chosen each year. Diane Bartholomew, Chair of the Division of Health and Movement Science, and Wilaiporn Rojjanasrirat, Associate Professor in our School of Nursing, have been accepted to the Fulbright Specialist Candidate Roster. They now await a match with a university around the world that is looking for a candidate with their specific academic skillset. The confirmations come from the Council for International Exchange of Scholars. Both Diane and Wilai pay special thanks to Debbie Kepple-Mamros, Assistant Registrar, for facilitating the arduous application process. Congratulations Diane and Wilai. Gracelanders are proud of you both.

'Road Trip 2012' Graceland Admissions Counselors have hit the road with a new student recruiting initiative called 'Road Trip 2012' that is adding a real 'Wow' factor to Graceland's outreach and brand recognition. Our dedicated counselors are crisscrossing Iowa and the region in two new Graceland-wrapped Ford Edges. Future students' heads are turning as the uniquely-designed cars appear at high schools, college fairs, athletic events and community functions. The message of 'Road Trip 2012' is clear: we want high school and transfer students to think of Graceland as their college destination. Learn more about Graceland's exciting new recruiting campaign at Road Trip 2012.

Money doesn't Grow on Trees! That's true, but you can make it grow. The Graceland Board of Trustees has offered a $200,000 Matching Challenge to university supporters. Any new or increased, unrestricted or general scholarship gift given by May 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar until the $200,000 challenge is reached. This means if you didn't give a gift in 2010-11 and you give an unrestricted or scholarship gift by May 31, all of your gift will be doubled. If you gave $100 last year and give $200 this year, then the $100 increase qualifies to be matched. Make your gift today and make it grow! Call 800-645-3582 or go online at www.graceland.edu/giving.