Goal met for Mabee Foundation challenge grant

$1.2 million check in hand; more funds needed to wrap things up

Evangel officials have raised more than $11.4 million thus far for the new administration building, including a challenge grant issued last summer by the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation.

“We have received the $1.2 million from Mabee, because we successfully met the terms of their challenge,” said President Robert H. Spence. “The boost given to the campaign by the trustees of the Mabee Foundation has been a true blessing.”

The Ralph M. Riggs Administration Building is currently under construction. The three-level, 69,000-square-foot facility is scheduled for completion this winter.

“The new administration building will anchor our campus quadrangle and become a welcoming face for Evangel’s campus,” said Paul K. Logsdon, spokesman for the University. “It will contain the offices for the president, five vice presidents and their administrative support staff.”

The facility will also contain space for services such as Campus Security, the Post Office and Information Technologies. The Heritage Room will spotlight Evangel’s history and will include seating for 56.

With the construction of the Ralph M. Riggs Administration Building, the transformation of the
Evangel University campus is near completion. Looking northeast from the balcony
of the Cantrell Student Union, the quad is a popular place for students to gather, play Frisbee and study.

A Few Minutes with President Robert H. Spence

Having met the one-year challenge from Mabee, how do you feel about our progress?

I believe we have enjoyed the Lord’s favor in reaching this goal — we have experienced marvelous participation by alumni, friends,
businesses and employees of the University.

Our Institutional Advancement team has worked tirelessly to promote the campaign and share the need.

What feedback are you receiving from donors?

As we have gone through the phases of developing the campus — with eight major projects in 12 years — many have commended us for the priority that we have placed on building for student needs first. There was strong feedback that when we did build the Administration Building, people would respond — and they have.

Do we still have funding needs?

Yes, we will be continuing our fundraising efforts. There were changes made prior to the start of construction last winter, such as the expansion of the lower level, effectively doubling the area to be excavated. With that decision, we now have much more room for storage and for expansion. In addition, there have been added costs associated with security and technology upgrades in the past year.

Are there still naming opportunities?

Yes, there are naming opportunities for offices, classrooms, departments, etc. Please feel free to call Mr. Jim Williams at (417) 865- 2811 ext. 7290 for additional information.

To see a live view of the building, floor plans, videos and more, please go to our Campus Growth Site.

To give online, safely and securely, please visit our Giving Site.

The HVAC equipment is being installed on the roof of
Riggs Hall. Emergency generators will provide power
for the Security and IT departments.

Springfield has experienced record rainfall this year, causing some adjustments to the schedule.
The exterior brickwork was started on July 18 and is progressing quickly. Inside, the stud walls
are complete, wiring is in place, and the sheetrock installation is under way.

Mabee Foundation background

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has as its mission assisting Christian religious, charitable, hospital and educational organizations. According to its policy statement, grants are given to “ nonprofit, tax-exempt, non-tax supported, established institutions which combine sound character and stability with progressiveness and purpose.” The Mabee Foundation’s geographical
area of giving includes only the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.