The Belk Challenge: For Women Who Are Going Places

Hollins Accepts Second Belk Challenge to Support International Study

For the second time in the past eight months, Hollins has accepted a challenge from the John M. Belk Educational Endowment to raise $500,000 in order to receive a matching grant of the same amount.

 

Hollins will receive the funds provided the university is successful in raising an equal amount in gifts and pledges by June 30, 2010.

 

>> Give to the challenge at www.hollins.edu/giveonline.
>> Under "My gift is for" select "Other" and type in a qualifying designation (see right side bar).

 

If Hollins is successful in raising $500,000 in qualifying funds, the John M. Belk Educational Endowment will add $500,000 to the Claudia Watkins Belk ’60 International Scholars Endowment established in July 2007 by the late John M. Belk in honor of Claudia. A resident of Charlotte, Mrs. Belk is a member of Hollins' Class of 1960 and a University Trustee since 2000.

 

The Belk International Scholars Endowment offers deserving Hollins students the possibility to study abroad for a semester or year, participate in an international experience during January Short Term, or engage in community service or career internship placements abroad. It is Claudia's dream that every Hollins student who wants to have an international study experience can do so.

 

"We are honored to receive this second challenge from the John M. Belk Educational Endowment in less than a year and embrace this opportunity," said President Nancy Gray. "It truly underscores their commitment to help us achieve our goal of providing an international study experience for every student who wants one. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and the confidence the Belk family has placed in us."

 

In November 2008, the John M. Belk Educational Endowment pledged $500,000 to Hollins for international study with the condition that the university raise an equal amount by March 31, 2009. In only five months, Hollins met and exceeded the challenge by raising $773,000.

 

Hollins accepted both challenge grants in conjunction with the public phase of its $125 million Campaign for Women Who Are Going Places, the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in its history and the largest undertaken by a southern women's college. The campaign continues through June 30, 2010.

 

 

>> View photos of student days on Hollins Abroad Paris

>> Learn about Hollins Abroad today