JBU gets $1.5 million challenge grant

SILOAM SPRINGS – John Brown University has been awarded a $1.5 million challenge grant by the Mabee Foundation for construction of the JBU Health Education Building, renovation of the Walton Lifetime Health Complex and the JBU Scholarship Fund.

The three fundraising projects are part of the university’s $125 million Campaign for the Next Century to be completed on the university’s centennial in 2019. The university has received nearly $67 million in gifts and pledges toward the goal, according to a news release.

“The Mabee Foundation has been a friend and partner of excellence in Christian higher education at JBU for decades,” said Chip Pollard, university president. “We are deeply grateful for this challenge grant, which will inspire others to participate in our mission to empower students to honor God and serve others.”

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, a private charitable foundation, was formed in 1948 by John E. Mabee and his wife, Lottie E. Mabee, with its office in Tulsa, Okla.

For the university to receive the challenge grant, it must raise the remaining money needed to complete the projects by the end of the fiscal year. The university has received $7.8 million of the $12 million goal for the nursing project, and $2.2 million of the $5 million goal for the Walton Lifetime Health Complex Renovation. Additionally, the challenge grant requires $500,000 for the JBU Scholarship Fund.

“The Mabee challenge grant will help energize our generous donors to complete the funding of these important projects,” said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president for advancement. “We are thankful for the foundation’s role in the success of the Campaign for the Next Century to date.”