Donors and alumni packed the banquet hall at Carroll College last weekend to celebrate the school's push to raise $30 million and begin its next century of service.

Lauded by many as the nation's premier diocesan college, Carroll celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, closing one chapter and beginning another.

As part of that celebration, the school's board of trustees set forth 11 campaign initiatives ranging from an expanded library and football stadium to an enhanced health and natural sciences program.

The school hopes to raise more than $30 million and officials said last week they are already 66 percent of the way toward achieving its goal.

"Each of these initiatives is a keystone of the campaign goal to build a better Carroll College," Brent Northup, chair of the communications department, told the gathered supporters. "We all teach students for whom scholarships are the only reason they can afford to stay at Carroll."

Scholarships, enhanced academic programs, a bigger stadium and spiritual vitality dominated much of Friday's conversation as the school's most prominent donors mingled with faculty and high-ranking members of the Montana community.

With nearly 300 people in attendance, the banquet also marked an official shift from the leadership phase of the school's campaign to its public phase - a move that was announced over dinner.

"The Carroll College Centennial Campaign begins its public phase tonight with a goal of $30 million," said Jerry Loendorf, winner of last year's Insignis Award, which is presented by the school for commitment and generosity.

"With the economic news of the last several weeks, it's hard not to ask, 'Can we reach this goal?' " Loendorf added. "By the end of this evening, I think you will agree the love and dedication of Carroll will result in a successful campaign."

Loendorf, a Carroll graduate who worked nearly 40 years as an attorney, has given generously to the college. He promised more than $2 million to Carroll through estate intentions, placing him in an elite group of lifetime givers that include Ray and Elaine Messer and Roy and Frances Simperman.

Simperman received this year's Insignis Award at the banquet. In recent years, he helped Carroll renovate its old science building. He's now funding an endowed position in physics as part of the school's effort to enhance its academic programs and advance its natural and health sciences offerings.

Ron Rickman, chair of the development committee, said gifts of $100,000 and up represent 90 percent of the college's fundraising goal. As of Friday, the school had already received $11.9 million in cash and pledges. Another $8.6 million had been promised to Carroll through estate intentions.

"We have raised 66 percent of our goal," Rickman said. "We believe we can meet or exceed our goal by October 2011."

Steps to the future

Carroll's board of trustees has established the following 11 goals to guide the college into its second century of service. The ongoing campaign seeks to raise more than $30 million to make these and other goals possible.

Enhance Academic programs

Funds to date: $8.8 million

Summary: To support scholarships, endowed academic positions, faculty development and academic programs. Endowed academic positions are funded posts assigned to faculty, complete with salary, research support and paid student internships.

Enhance Programs in Natural Sciences

Funds to date: $568,625

Summary: To support the modernization of the undergraduate research experience for biology students. Initiative will also create new specialties in molecular biology, cellular biology and biochemistry, giving students more opportunities in research fields.

Civil Engineering Phase II

Funds to date: $461,000

Summary: Initiative proposes Phase II of the civil engineering program to strengthen offerings in four critical areas, including environmental engineering, water resources, transportation systems, and structural engineering.

Human-Animal Bond Program

Funds to date: $160,000

Summary: Program prepares students for careers in mental and physical healthcare and therapy by training service dogs and horses. Students work with the disabled while learning to fulfill lives by using service animals and assisting with therapeutic work.

Building Academics Through

Institutional Effectiveness

Funds to date: $1.9 million

Summary: A move to modernize and transform Carroll's academic programs and support services. The college has already received funding from the U.S. Department of Education to help install new technology, upgrade old technology, and train staff to use state-of-the art systems.

Develop a Master Plan

Funds to date: $400,000

Summary: Initiative establishes a plan for the future of the campus, starting with St. Charles Hall, the school's first and highest structure. The hall is a historic landmark that fills almost every function of campus life.

Enhance Nelson Stadium Field

Funds to date: $600,000

Summary: Initiative to install an artificial playing surface at Nelson Stadium for football and soccer, and add up to 2,000 seats to accommodate a growing Carroll fan base.

Catholic and Spiritual Vitality

Funds to date: $1.7 million

Summary: As one of the last remaining Catholic diocesan colleges in the U.S., the school will continue to reaffirm and revitalize its Catholic identity. Initiative will result in enhanced services and social outreach, the building of a chapel to serve as a centerpiece of faith, and create a Center for Peace and Social Justice, and a Center for Servant Leadership.

Advance the Department of Health Sciences

Funds to date: Unspecified

Summary: Create a Department of Health Sciences to centralize health-related majors and capitalize on the college's national reputation for excellence in science-related fields. Initiative will expand career opportunities in the health sciences which encompass nursing, community and public health, and athletic training.

Library Renovation and Expansion

Funds to date: Unspecified

Summary: Initiative to renovate the Corrette Library into a destination that's safe, inviting and comfortable. Access to technological tools will be improved, as will training that supports study, research, learning and professional success. Project will create group and individual study areas, plus 24-hour access to e-books, e-reserves and databases.

Unspecified Campaign Intentions

Funds to date: $6.1 million

Summary: In addition to the many facets of the campaign, several donors have pledged to support the campaign but have not designated their gifts.

Reporter Martin Kidston: 447-4086 or mkidston@helenair.com