Concordia College Alabama has launched a $20 million campaign in an effort to enrich their programs, enhance their students’ experience, and further invest in their students.

The campaign, named “A Time to Build”, will fund an expansion of CCA’s academic programs, a development of athletic facilities, renovations on the historic Greek Revival building and more scholarships for students, among other improvements.

The campaign officially began Jan 1, 2012.

CCA President Rev. Dr. Tilahun Mendedo kicked off the campaign in September. More than 125 people, including students, donors, church leaders, government officials faculty, administrators, staff, community and business representatives, arrived at Sturdivant Hall to show their support. It was underwritten by a grant from the Lutheran Legacy Foundation, Paris, Ill.

The campign is chaired by Lloyd and Ruth Probasco of Lincoln, Neb., and Rod and Mattie Olson of Baton Rouge, La.

Daniel Jenkins, the vice president at institutional advancement, said “A Time to Build” is the largest campaign in the school’s history. Its goal of $20 million is the most the school has aimed to raise, and its five year time frame is the longest the school has run a campaign, he said.

Originally, the goal was $8 million. The group quickly went above and beyond, raising $12 million in a matter of months.

“We were blessed with so many gifts,” Jenkins said. “We told the Board of Regents we should consider a higher goal to help push everyone forward.”

Co-chairs Rev. Mark and Kathy Helge have given a total of $6 million to the campaign.

Jenkins said great leadership, and the love people have for one another, has motivated individuals to donate to the cause.

“They have been able to identity the vision,” Jenkins said, referring to the leaders of the campaign. “People don’t want to give to businesses or schools. People want to give to people.”

As of this month, the college has raised as much as $12.3 million in cash and pledges. A

lan Zacharias, the president of Zacharias Advancement Consulting LLC, has worked to help the school reach their goal.

He said part of the reason people give is because of the support from the Lutheran Church.

“They love the idea that a church that is changing people’s lives is involved,” Zacharias said. “People tend to give to an organization they believe has a compelling cause.”

Concordia hopes to reach their goal by Dec. 31, 2017.