Edward Waters College surpassed its $2 million goal in gifts and pledges and, along with the $1 million challenge grant from the Michael and Kim Ward Foundation, has raised $3 million for capital improvements.
The Wards pledged in November to match $1 for every $2 the historically black college raised by June 30 for capital improvements.
The college, at 1658 Kings Road, announced that it exceeded its $2 million in gifts and pledges on June 26.
The college has begun almost $1 million in projects to improve the campus by the start of the fall semester.
Edward Waters said a large percentage of the funds will be allocated to improving student life, such as renovating four dormitories, the student union building, the library, classrooms and labs.
It said another large percentage will be allocated for improving energy efficiency and making structural enhancements to several of the college’s historic properties, such as Centennial Hall, which houses a library, and the administration building, which contains offices and the chapel.
“We are tremendously grateful for Michael and Kim Ward’s generous gift of $1 million to Edward Waters College,” said President Nat Glover in a news release.
“This $3 million, in total, will greatly improve the quality of our facilities and grounds, and we are thankful to all the donors who helped us reach our $2 million goal,” he said.
Glover took office in May 2010 and said campus improvements were a priority.
The college said Glover has led the renovation of two historic properties on the campus — The Polly Brooks House, which contains the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and the Susie E. Tolbert House, which contains an A. Philip Randolph exhibit and other historical relics.
Edward Waters said other major campus projects planned include the construction of a $2.6 million police substation, which will include classrooms and a lab for criminal justice students, and a health disparities prevention center, which will also contain a research lab and classroom.