Foundation Offers $3M Challenge Grant for JBU Hall Renovation

The Windgate Foundation of Siloam Springs has put forth a $3 million lead challenge grant to John Brown University to help fund the renovation of a residential hall, the Siloam Springs-based, Christian university announced Thursday.

The foundation will match donations until the challenge grant is met, helping to pay for a $6 million renovation of JBU’s women’s dormitory, Mayfield Residence Hall, according to a JBU press release.

The renovation to the 247-bed facility includes updated HVAC and fire suppression system, high-efficiency LED lighting, sound-resistant construction, new bathrooms and plumbing, and new furniture.

Construction on the 52-year-old building is expected to begin in spring 2017 and be completed by summer 2018, according to the release.

“Mayfield has been a ‘home away from home’ for more than 10,000 women during its 52 years,” JBU president Chip Pollard said in the press release. “This gift will enable us to restore and update Mayfield so that JBU can continue to provide an excellent residential experience for women on campus, an experience that encourages them to develop intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. We are deeply grateful to the Windgate Foundation for this generous challenge grant.”

The Windgate Foundation is led by executive director John Brown III, a former president of JBU and grandson of its founder.

The Mayfield project is part of JBU’s $125 million Campaign for the Next Century, which is scheduled for completion in 2019 during the university’s centennial. The campaign has five priorities: endowment and annual scholarships ($35 million), estate gifts for scholarships and program endowment ($25 million), endowment for academic excellence ($10 million), new and renovated facilities ($30 million), and program support ($25 million).

With this gift, JBU has received over $78 million in gifts and pledges toward its $125 million goal, according to the press release.