Tentative date set for Multi-faith Center groundbreaking, funding almost complete

The design and budget for Elon University's Multi-faith Center, which will be located in the Academic Pavilion, have been finalized, according to Smith Jackson, vice president and dean of Student Life. The university is currently planning to break ground sometime this fall.

While a formal timetable for construction is still in the works, Jackson said he predicts a blessing of the future location will take place around Homecoming, the week of Oct. 23, 2011 with completion planned for January 2013.

Earlier this summer, two trees were cut down at the site to make room for construction. Eventually, the wood from the trees will be incorporated into the Center, either in an alter, wood paneling or another part of the building, Jackson said.

Funding for the Multi-faith Center has been a key facet of the Ever Elon campaign for a few years, according to Jim Piatt, vice president for University Advancement.

A total of about $3 million has been raised through the campaign, all from individual gifts, ranging from $1,000 to $1 million.

The original plan was to raise a total of $3.5 million through the campaign, leaving about $400,000 left to raise, at this point. The remainder of the cost, which Piatt estimates at about $1 million, will be funded by the university.

According to Piatt, the vast majority of donors to the project have given anonymously, more than he has ever seen in his years fundraising.

"It represents the fact that people want to support the project but don't believe the Multi-faith Center should have names attached to it," he said.

Typically, when large donations are made, the project is named in honor of the donor. In this case, the name has been decided and the Center will be called Numen Lumen Pavilion.

"(People realize) this is for the university, not to be named after someone," Piatt said. Construction of the Multi-faith Center is a key component of the university's strategic plan.

Last year, a commitee of students, faculty and staff were charged with developing plans for the facility which will include areas for learning, practicing and celebrating religion.