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Carthage celebrated the successful completion of The Tower Initiative with a dinner program Sept. 28.

The effort raised more than $1.2 million for The Tower Residence Hall, exceeding the fundraising goal by 20 percent. The College’s newest residential offering opened to students in August.

The Tower Initiative raised more than $1.2 million for Carthage's newest residence hall. A dinner... “It is the construction of The Tower that completes the dream that two generations of Carthage leaders have had to truly create a living and learning environment on the Carthage campus,” said Jeff Hamar ’80, chair of the Board of Trustees.

Donors sponsored a variety of shared spaces in the new building. In written remarks, many described the reasons behind their support.

“More than the sum of an education based on liberal arts are the relationships and experiences realized by those friendships that will grow with time,” wrote Gary and Cindy Wilson, whose gift provided the Lakeside Fire Pit. “The Tower helps Carthaginians with a community space to begin that path towards those relationships.”

By funding a kitchenette and lounge, retired home economics teacher Irma (Niekamp) Anderson ’48 saw a chance to honor the nationally recognized program the former campus in Carthage, Illinois, offered in that discipline. She and her daughter, longtime Carthage staff member Jane (Anderson) Spencer ’80, have pledged to bake chocolate chip cookies on occasion in The Tower.

Ms. Anderson’s late husband, Alan Anderson ’50, was president of the College in 1986-87.

“On this very night of Alan’s 10th anniversary of passing,” she wrote, “I cannot think of a more meaningful and joyous occasion than to remember Carthage with the Anderson kitchenette.”

The dinner also recognized the work of The Tower Initiative’s steering committee:

  • Dennis Monroe ’74 (chairman)
  • Ashley LaFontaine ’09
  • Fred Krull ’83
  • Fred Petersen ’81
  • Juliana Blum-Newkirk ’98
  • Christopher Grugel
  • Nicholas Winkler
  • Jim Inendino ’82
  • Nyles Jackson ’03
  • Christine King ’97
  • Maria Nalywayko

The Tower Residence Hall