Limestone College

Limestone Launches Historic Capital Campaign

Limestone College has launched a $12 million capital campaign---the largest in its 167-year history---that will dramatically improve the learning resources for its students and profoundly expand the landscape of its main campus in Gaffney.

Entitled Today's Needs...Tomorrow's Dreams, the initiative is devoted to three vital aspects of the College:

1. Construction of a new library steeped in computer technology ($6 million)

2. Enhancement of Athletics Facilities ($4.8 million)

3. Support of the Limestone Fund ($1.2 million)

"Limestone's history is one marked by boldness and the ability to anticipate and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of society," said Limestone President Dr. Walt Griffin. "This campaign is our roadmap for the future as we strengthen our academic and athletic offerings so that they will be among the finest of any college or university."

For campagin videos and information about how to participate in Today's Dreams...Tomorrow's Needs, visit www.limestonecampaign.org .

Specifics of Campaign Goals

New Library

Limestone's New Library

With more than 60,000 print volumes, Limestone's A.J. Eastwood Library is literally bursting at the seams. In fact, the College has had to store boxes of books at an off-campus storage facility. And with enrollment continuing to grow and digital collections already the norm, Limestone's new library will be one with a transformed mission; one based upon the idea of connectivity, linking students with the resources they need regardless of the nature of those resources.

Among its features will be:
• Advanced computer and audio-visual technology
• An expanded archives area
• An information commons area
• Tripled seating capacity
• Shelving for 40,000 additional volumes
• Eight six-person study rooms and one eight-person study room for individual or small group learning experiences
• Mathematics laboratory
• Computer laboratory
• Writing Center
• Art gallery
• A café that serves as a "meeting and eating" hub for students, faculty, and staff alike
• Reading areas.

Athletics Facilities Enhancement

Lacrosse & Soccer Complex

Softball_Stadium_Complex

Softball Stadium Complex

More than half of Limestone's Day Program student population is comprised of student-athletes. The campus is a living breathing example of the synergy between academics and athletics. The Saints Athletics program has produced national champions, regional champions, and conference champions. On game days, however, spectators and student-athletes alike are subjected to numerous inconveniences such as avoiding foul balls from opposing ball fields, port-a-potties, no field lighting, and aging aluminum bleachers.

The athletics portion of the campaign calls for:
• Reorienting the current baseball and softball fields so that home plates will be relocated, avoiding foul balls drifting into opposing fields and stands

• A lacrosse/soccer field stadium seating complex for 600 fans that includes concession and restroom facilities and can be expanded to seat 1,200 fans

• Baseball and softball stadium complexes that include seating for fans, press boxes, bullpens, locker rooms, dugouts, and indoor batting practice facilities

• An all-weather turf field that will benefit all Limestone students by providing a facility for athletic competition, practices, and intramurals

• Lighting for all game fields

• Locker rooms adjacent to the lacrosse/soccer field that will accommodate Saints teams as well as their opponents, and game officials

Support of the Limestone Fund
The Limestone Fund serves as the College's unrestricted annual fund and provides the means to support the College's needs and goals as they arise. It is the primary vehicle used to fund educational initiatives that tuition does not cover. For example, academic programs, scholarships, and the resources to ensure success such as technology upgrades and library acquisitions, receive immediate support from the Limestone Fund.

Campaign Leadership

Leading the campaign are four individuals with diverse backgrounds but a shared keen insight and love for Limestone.

Randy Hines '79

a member of the Limestone Class of 1979 and native of Cliffside, N.C., is leading the campaign as its Chair. Hines, who was named Alumnus of the Year in 2011, has also served Limestone through multiple terms as a Trustee. With a tremendous work ethic, he worked his way through college and was named Most Valuable Player for the Saints Golf Team. After graduating, he worked for the College's Office of Admissions and served as Coach for the golf team. During his tenure as Coach, Hines was named the NAIA District Coach of the Year for three consecutive years (1981, 1982, 1983) before leaving for a marketing opportunity in Atlanta. He was, however, invited to coach the 1984 team, which was comprised of student-athletes he recruited, during their 1984 national championship match, which they won. After working as a Sales Associate in Atlanta-a tenure that included a Maxi Advertising Award in 2001-Hines leveraged his strong work ethic again by founding his own company, the RM Hines Group in Atlanta.

Lynda Ramage

Gaffney resident and Limestone Trustee Lynda Ramage is Campaign Vice Chair for the Library. Since settling in Gaffney with her husband Kenneth in 2005, Ramage has served as a member and volunteer for the Friends of the Cherokee County Library, a Board member of the Cherokee County Historical and Preservation Society, secretary for Friends of the Cowpens Battlefield, and co-chair of the Parsonage Committee at Buford Street United Methodist Church.

Rick Patterson

Rick Patterson, also of Gaffney, is Campaign Vice Chair for Athletics. Patterson, who was named an honorary alumnus of Limestone in 2011, is a graduate of Wofford College and Louisiana State University's Graduate School of Banking, Patterson is an executive with American Community Bank, a division of Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust, and is Southern Regional President. He has also been employed by the National Football League (NFL) as an on-field official since 1996. During that time, he has officiated 14 post-season games, two super Bowls, two Pro Bowls, and Two All-American Bowls.

Ann Beam Crotzer '56

Ann Beam Crotzer, an avid supporter of Limestone and member of Limestone's class of 1956 is honorary chair of the campaign. On Wednesday (May 2nd), she was also named the College's 2012 Philanthropist of the Year. As President of the Cherokee County Alumni Chapter, she has led efforts to renovate and improve many areas across the campus. As an individual, she has supported student organizations, academic departments and numerous other Limestone projects for nearly 30 years.