Cameron University in Lawton receives campaign gifts totaling

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Sep 6, 2007 by David Page

Cameron University has received five donations totaling $77,500 for the Cameron University: Changing Lives Campaign.

A $35,000 gift from Glyn and Virginia Mitchell of Frederick will help fund construction of the new Centennial Student Activities Complex as part of the campaign.

The Mitchells both graduated from Cameron and are members of the CU Alumni Association. After graduating from Cameron, Glyn Mitchell spent 41 years with Phillips Petroleum while Virginia worked as a teacher. They also operated a registered Red Angus cattle operation they sold four years ago.

"A university is known by the quality of its graduates, and Glyn and Virginia Mitchell exemplify the strength of Cameron's alumni," said Cindy Ross, Cameron president.

Cameron received a $30,000 gift from Jim and Melanie Eason for the new Centennial Student Activities Complex.

The Easons own and operate Southwest Sales and several other Lawton businesses. They joined the CU President's Partners in 1989,the group's inaugural year. They have also contributed throughout the years to Cameron Athletics.

"We have owned and operated our business in Lawton for 35 years and realize the impact Cameron University makes on our community and all of Southwest Oklahoma," said Jim Eason. "We are proud to offer our support to this endeavor which will enhance the university, its students and our community for many years."

The gifts from the Easons and the Mitchells are both at the Pillar of Support level, which allows donation over a three-year period at a rate of $10,000 per year. Plaques recognizing contributors as a Pillar of Support will mark the prominent pillars supporting the new complex.

Other donations to the campaign include Scott and Laura Hatch, $3,000; Roy and Svea Penepacker, $4,500; and Neil and Mel Springborn, $5,000.

The Centennial Student Activities Complex will include a student union, student activities areas, meeting rooms, an art gallery, dining areas and community spaces.

More than $9 million has been contributed or pledged to Cameron's newly expanded Changing Lives campaign. The recently launched Dig Deeper Challenge raises the campaign goal to $10 million.