William Woods University has received a $1 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation to help meet the goals of the school's Imagine Campaign.
"The Mabee Million, as we've dubbed it, will allow us to build upon the William Woods mission to distinguish itself as a student-centered institution and fulfill its vision to be recognized as a progressive and growing leader in higher education," WWU President Jahnae Barnett said in a press release.
Dan Diedriech, vice president for university advancement, clarified Wednesday that the Mabee grant "doesn't mean "Here's a check for $1 million," but is intended to spur the school's ongoing fundraising campaign toward meeting its $10.2 million goal.
Diedriech said William Woods already has raised about $8.3 million, including a $2.5 million gift from the Lucille and Bruce Lambert Charitable Foundation and a $2 million gift from an anonymous donor - the largest gift from an individual in the university's history. In order to receive the $1 million from the Mabee grant, the university must successfully raise an additional $907,611 to complete the Imagine Campaign by May 28, 2014.