Gainesville-area natives Doug and Kay Ivester were the honored guests Wednesday at Brenau University as university officials announced the naming of the Ivester College of Health Sciences.
The ceremony recognized the most recent $3.5 million donation from the Melvin Douglas and Victoria Kay Ivester Foundation to the university, pushing the Forever Gold campaign past beyond the goal of $40 million.
The Ivesters have not only donated the $3.5 million but also earlier gifts through the foundation but they have also donated personally through the Forever Gold campaign. The most recent donation gives a boost to the total value of the university's permanently endowed funds, which can be used to offset annual operations and student aid costs.
“Kay and Doug Ivester personally and the Ivester Foundation they created are thoughtful, deliberative givers,” said Brenau University President Ed Schrader. “They have set a great example for others to follow in supporting Brenau. They have been intimately involved with shaping the mission of this institution because they want their support to make a difference in the world. And their support will make a difference. It is fitting that the part of Brenau that will affect lives of millions of people should bear their name.”
The Ivesters, both of whom grew up in New Holland, have been long-time supporters of Brenau. They have focused especially on its mission to meet the long-term regional health needs through education. Doug Ivester is the former chair of Coca-Cola, Inc. and has served as a Brenau Trustee for almost 29 years.
Though the project has reached its initial fundraising goal, the university continues to campaign. Officials noted in a press release that not all of the projects in the Forever Gold campaign have been funded. Some projects still awaiting donors includes residence hall improvement at the historic Gainesville campus, the Women's Leadership Initiative, an expansion of the nursing schools showcase human patient simulation center and other academic program enhancement as the university continues to expand its degree offerings on campuses in Georgia and Florida and online.
