|
|
| Board of Trustees committed to Columbia’s growth and excellence |
by Laura Conlon
Correspondent |
Helena Chapellin Wilson remembers how different things were when she graduated from Columbia in 1976. At that time, the school had limited resources and was practically unknown.
"I graduated in a small class in a school with 450 students," she said. "None of us knew what the future had in store for us, or even if Columbia had prepared us for that future."
Now, 23 years later, Wilson sits on Columbia's Board of Trustees, proud to be a part of a school that has grown to more than 9,000 students. "It has been an honor to be a trustee for the last seven years," she said. "I love being involved with an institution that I love, making decisions that will help others."
Wilson and the other 43 board members are professionals and business leaders whose commitment to the college has been well demonstrated throughout the years. From chairmen of banks to presidents of major corporations, they each have shown an appreciation for the school in offering their time and expertise for the well-being of the students.
The members of the board do not get paid; it is a way for them to give back to the community. According to Joyce Fulgium, secretary to President John Duff, their main purpose is to raise money for the school. "Columbia College's board of trustees gives money to the school, they don't take it away," Fulgium said. In 1999, the board raised $300-$400,000 for the school.
"Fundraising is probably the hardest part of being a board member," Wilson said. "Everyone's competing for the same money and targeting the same people. But it is still very, very important." Even though fundraising has been tough at times, they have had their share of successes as well.
With the board's effort, Columbia was given a $500,000 Federal grant on Nov. 23. The money will be used to strengthen retention activities. Columbia’s board will have to work even harder in the future to become a stronger source of financial support for the college, according to Columbia sources.
The board is broken up into committees, including Academic and Student Affairs, Finance, Facilities Planning, Governance and Nominations, and Institutional Advancement and Planning. The board meets four times a year to discuss everything from staff tenures, student scholarships, and purchases of new buildings.
Last May, Columbia purchased the 180,000 square ft. 33 E. Congress building at the southwest corner of Congress and Wabash. Purchase price was $6.3 million.
"The acquisition is in keeping with Columbia's strategic plan to expand and consolidate its presence in the South Loop and to create a Columbia-anchored arts corridor along South Wabash," said Columbia’s President John B. Duff.
Plans are also underway for a new Office of Student Development which will greatly expand existing programs at Columbia, including a summer bridge program, orientations, freshman advising, and early intervention for at-risk students.
The board is also developing new programs for minority students, students majoring in particular fields, international students, and Residence Center students. These changes and developments must first be approved by the board of trustees before they can become a reality. But the board members believe that these changes will help Columbia become an even better place for the students.
Wilson admits that being a board of trustee is hard work, like a full-time job. "But when you love the organization and you're working to improve the best college in the area, it's all worth it."
Wilson and other board members are fully behind the official mission of Columbia, which states that its principle commitment is to provide a comprehensive educational opportunity in the arts, communications, and public information within a context of enlightened liberal education. |
|
|
