The Belk Foundation Announces $100,000 Pledge to "The Campaign for Cumberland University"

March 27, 2008 - PRLog -- The Belk Foundation today announced a $100,000 pledge to Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn. to support its $50 million "Campaign for Cumberland" capital campaign. The pledge will be made in equal installments over five years.

Jeff Perry, store manager of Belk of Providence Marketplace in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., recently presented the first $20,000 check on behalf of The Belk Foundation to Campaign Chairman and Vice President of the CU Board of Trust W.P. Bone, III.

The "Campaign for Cumberland" will completely modernize the university's campus with new academic and student life facilities and bolster the university's endowment. The $3 million Café project will provide students, faculty and staff a place to convene for study sessions, meetings, meals and entertainment. The facility will also offer ample meeting space for a number of local community organizations.

"The Belk Foundation is pleased to announce this pledge to support the university's capital campaign and specifically to help fund the development of The Café student center and community meeting facility," said Paul Wyche, trustee of The Belk Foundation. "This will be a wonderful addition to the campus that will enhance both student and community life at the university."

"Across campus and throughout the community, there is a tremendous amount of excitement surrounding this capital campaign," said Cumberland University President Dr. Harvill C. Eaton. "Words cannot express how truly grateful we are to have the support of The Belk Foundation in the development of The Café. Their generous gift will leave an indelible mark on Cumberland University and the entire community."

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About Cumberland University: Cumberland University was founded in 1842 and is a private, independent, coeducational liberal arts university. Located in Lebanon, Tenn., 30 miles east of Nashville, the university offers a variety of educational, athletic and social experiences to enhance the learning opportunities of the current student body. The university has an exceptional academic program steeped in the liberal arts and an enrollment of approximately 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students.

Website: www.cumberland.edu