March 10 - Northwestern College has been awarded a $750,000 Challenge Grant from the nationally recognized and respected Kresge Foundation for the new Community Life Commons building, the centerpiece of Northwestern’s Envision Excellence capital campaign. The grant represents one of the largest grants received in the 105-year history of the College.

The Community Life Commons will be located at the heart of Northwestern’s scenic campus in Saint Paul and will serve as the “family room” for students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests. New dining facilities, an expanded bookstore, classrooms and substantial meeting space in the form of conference rooms, lounges, and study rooms will be located in the Community Life Commons.

Dr. Alan S. Cureton, President of Northwestern College, noted, “The purpose of the Community Life Commons is to improve the student experience and overall quality of life on campus. It is our intent to create adequate and designated space to connect people, build relationships, and stimulate intellectual and spiritual growth.”

Northwestern College was one of only five colleges and universities that received Kresge challenge grants in the fourth quarter of 2007. Each of the institutions selected were commended for their commitment to educating underserved student populations—non-traditional, first-generation and low-income students and those from rural and urban settings. At Northwestern, 92 percent of Northwestern students received need-based financial aid during the 2007-2008 academic year.

The Kresge Foundation has been instrumental in building facilities for U.S. nonprofit organizations for the past 83 years. Its Challenge Grant Program seeks to provide awarded institutions a significant tool to use in expanding the institutions’ donor base and creating long-term financial sustainability. Northwestern President Dr. Alan S. Cureton added, “The Kresge Challenge Grant will provide momentum and significantly impact the success of our current capital campaign as well as future fundraising efforts for Northwestern College.”

Founded in 1902, Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Saint Paul, Minn. offering 50 bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees and several associate degree and certificate programs. Over 3,000 students representing 35 states and 23 countries are enrolled in Northwestern’s traditional undergraduate and continuing and graduate education programs.