CSM Exceeds Fundraising Goal by Nearly $3 Million

Celebrations Planned At Campuses in June

The College of Southern Maryland is planning events next month at its three campuses to thank donors who helped push the school beyond its capital campaign goal to raise $7.7 million in less than two years.

Events will be held June 11 in La Plata, June 18 in Prince Frederick and June 23 in Leonardtown. Coinciding with the college's 50th anniversary, the Campaign for the Next 50 Years raised 54 percent more than its goal.

"Quite frankly, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and the full support that we have realized through this campaign," said campaign Chairman Mike Besche, chief executive of Besche Oil. The company pledged $105,000 to help operate the school's technical training center near the La Plata campus.

CSM President Bradley M. Gottfried helped start the campaign in 2007, a few months after arriving from Sussex County Community College in New Jersey. At Sussex, he oversaw the expansion of that school's endowment from $150,000 to $900,000.

Gottfried said he was initially skeptical of CSM's ability to raise $5 million in 20 months. But when the donations and grants were recently added, the total came to $7.7 million.

"The money itself is very important, but what's equally important to me is that it's an indication that the community views the college favorably and wants to support us," Gottfried said.

One of the most gratifying aspects of the campaign, he said, was the support received from local hospitals.

On June 16, college officials will dedicate the atrium at the La Plata campus to the Chesapeake-Potomac Healthcare Alliance, a group composed of Calvert Memorial Hospital, Civista Medical Center, St. Mary's Hospital, the Chesapeake-Potomac Home Health Agency and Chesapeake Potomac Regional Cancer Center.

The alliance donated several hundred thousand dollars, and Southern Maryland Hospital Center founder Frances P. Chiaramonte made the largest single gift, $1 million.

The support was particularly meaningful to CSM because it provides regional hospitals with nurses and other health-care professionals. Some of the money raised will pay for a simulation lab to help nursing students practice techniques.

"Rather than just saying, 'Give us what we need,' [the hospitals are] saying, 'We're going to help you to produce and educate the best-trained professionals,' " Gottfried said.

Other money raised will help pay for programs in science, technology, engineering and math in addition to scholarships at the campuses, which serve about 22,000 students. CSM also receives state and local funding.

The college's campaign was recognized by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations because of the amount raised and the success in raising awareness about CSM's work in the community.

"Tying the campaign to the college's 50th anniversary showed people the great distance we've come and encouraged them to join in being a part of exciting things to come," said Michelle Goodwin, CSM's vice president for advancement.