In May 2015, the university publicly launched “A Soul of Conviction, A Voice of Courage: The Campaign for Biola University.” The $180 million fundraising effort seeks to make Biola more affordable for students, to provide new facilities that inspire learning, to support new academic initiatives and to extend Biola’s global reach.

As the university’s Office of Advancement continues to raise support for this unprecedented goal, here is a collection of updates from the campaign trail.

FUNDING SCHOLARSHIPS TOGETHER

Biola University and the Christian Community Credit Union have formed an alliance to help more students achieve their dream of a Biola education. To date, Christian Community Credit Union has given more than $109,000 toward Biola scholarships.

“We’re so grateful for our partnership with Christian Community Credit Union,” said Adam Morris, Biola’s vice president of advancement. “Thanks to the CCCU’s generosity and support, more students will be able to attend Biola and realize the benefits of a Bible-centered education.”

For almost 15 years, the CCCU has provided scholarships for Biola students through its annual “Scholarships for Success” program.

“Biola does a wonderful job equipping students to impact the world for Christ, and what a blessing to be part of that,” said John Walling, CCCU’s president/CEO. “We’re glad to help the university continue to thrive.”

Christian Community Credit Union offers an exclusive opportunity to alumni and their families, as well as staff and friends of Biola. For details about this unique opportunity, visit myCCCU.com/ BiolaOffer.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: ALTON AND LYDIA LIM CENTER FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH

Over the past several months, the main entrance to campus has begun looking much more scientific. A massive hole in the ground is quickly filling up with steel beams, concrete slabs and flooring that will soon be home to Biola’s largest academic building.

At 91,200 square feet, the Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health is on track for a grand opening in January 2018. Since groundbreaking in February 2016, construction crews from C.W. Driver and a team of architects from Gensler have been working to make this new building come to life. Though funding is still needed to fully complete construction, the Biola campus is buzzing with anticipation for the opportunities this new building will bring for students, faculty and staff in the fields of science, technology and health.

The Alton Lim family (pictured on the right), for whom the building is named, was able to tour the construction site (hard hats and all!) and monitor progress over the summer. Alton Lim gave a transformational $12 million gift in early 2015, the largest-ever cash gift given to Biola. In just 15 months this building will be the new home to faculty, students and staff who aspire to bring the truth of the gospel to the worlds of science, technology and health.

JOIN BIOLA ON GIVING TUESDAY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ALL STUDENTS

Last December on Giving Tuesday, Biola raised over $124,000 for 124 student scholarships within 24 hours. This unprecedented day of generosity made a dent in the university’s goal to improve student affordability, but that impact was limited to 124 students. With over 6,000 students at Biola, what if there was an opportunity to make an impact in every student’s life?

This November, Biola will host another 24- hour online giving challenge on National Giving Tuesday. Our goal is to rally the Biola family to help make a Biola education more affordable for every student. Join us on Nov. 29 on National Giving Tuesday. Help make a difference for all students. Follow Biola on social media and watch your email inbox for more details.

CAMPAIGN NATIONAL TOUR NEARS THE FINISH LINE

From coast to coast, and across the globe, President Barry H. Corey and a team from Biola’s Office of Advancement have taken the vision of The Campaign for Biola on the road to over 15 cities since September 2015. With two months left to reach the $180 million campaign goal, the tour is scheduled to make its final stop in Chicago this fall in an effort to seek support for Biola’s unprecedented fundraising campaign.

To date, more than $700,000 has been raised from the attendees at the “Campaign National Tour” events, which provide alumni, parents and supporters a chance to network with fellow Biolans, hear from President Corey, learn about the impact alumni are making around the world and find out how they can support Biola.

Learn more about the National Campaign Tour: http://giving.biola.edu/campaign/events/