celebrating carthage

CELEBRATINGCARTHAGE

CELEBRATINGCARTHAGE

CELEBRATINGCARTHAGE

From simple beginnings embraced by Lutheran pioneers nearly

165 years ago, Carthage College has emerged as a leading liberal arts

institution, respected for its challenging academic program, personal

care and attention, and an abiding respect for human values.

Just as the sun rises each day over Carthage’s home on Lake

Michigan, the enduring Carthage promise is to ignite in each

student the desire to achieve at the highest level as they choose

their own path to success. Our pride flows from cultivating the

knowledge, understanding, skills, and discipline crucial to

successful navigation of each student’s life journey.

CELEBRATINGCARTHAGE

CELEBRATINGCARTHAGE

CELEBRATINGCARTHAGE

CELEBRATINGCARTHAGE

CELEBRATINGCARTHAGE

CELEBRATINGCARTHAGE

Celebrating Carthage



Throughout the past 165 years, Carthage has developed a tradition of

distinction in our people, our programs, and our community. It is a heritage of

accessible and challenging professors who change lives; of classmates who

remain friends across decades; and of treasured campus memories.

We share these memories and experiences of our days on

campus—both in Carthage, Illinois, and those formed during

the past half-century in Kenosha, Wisconsin. We celebrate

Carthage’s proud status as a 2011 Best College in the

Midwestern Region, a 2011 Best Baccalaureate College, and a

premier Lutheran college of the arts and sciences. Throughout

our history and into our future, Carthage remains true to our

fundamental mission, even as we pursue new heights.

While the College always will mean different things to

different people, the one common element for us all is quality

education with shared values and beliefs. It is Carthage’s devotion to the

individual student that has led to our past triumphs and also forms the key

to the promise of tomorrow. It is the commitment of those many students

to each other, to their college, and to their families and communities that

changes the world in many ways. Embedded in the Carthage experience

is the opportunity for all students to discover their potential for excellence,

leadership, and service. It is the realization of this potential—made possible

by their experience at a special college—that makes their future, and ours,

truly inspiring.

Our Heritage

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CELEBRATING CARTHAGE



The Carthage story, throughout its history, has been one of becoming.

Carthage is forever becoming. We are driven by the possibilities of

the future, by the potential for significance, and by the vision of what

can be—for each individual student, and for the College itself.

Securing the future for an institution that will provide

transformative opportunities for students today and in the coming

decades requires a solid foundation. As we prepare for tomorrow,

we must build on the progress and accomplishments of those

who have come before us. They form the foundation upon which

Carthage now stands. All the successes and gains made by the

College over the past 165 years must not only be celebrated,

they must inspire Carthage and its students to strive for greater

accomplishments.

While the College’s roots date back nearly 165 years, we

recognize that our continued vitality requires a focus on the next

generation. Seeking truth, building strength, and inspiring service

are imperatives of the Carthage mission. Even as we continue to

resolve complex issues that face all colleges, we keep an eye on the

big picture and realize our own potential. We must navigate our own

path to success in an ever-changing social, economic, and political

environment. We must focus intently on what we wish to become,

and move with courage toward this vision.

During the past 50 years, even as our graduates have established

themselves throughout the United States and in other nations, we

have endeavored to cultivate a special relationship with the Kenosha

community as well as with Southeastern Wisconsin/Northeastern

Illinois. The success of those efforts has found expression in the

extraordinary support that Carthage has received at key junctures

in its development. We are very proud of these community

relationships because they have helped Carthage in its process of

becoming. We have grown together.

Our College: Today and Tomorrow

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From its founding in 1847 to the present day, Carthage has much to

celebrate—165 years of great memories and people, 50 years of a

wonderful partnership with the Kenosha community, and the past 25

transformative years, a period during which we have achieved the

vision of Carthage’s longest-serving president. While we rejoice in these

accomplishments, our job is not done. Hard work and sacrifices by

others have positioned us better than any of our predecessors to make

responsible decisions in securing the future of Carthage. It is essential that

we do everything possible to continue our forward momentum.

To ensure that Carthage’s reputation for academic excellence,

student achievement, and service to community continues to

grow; and to ensure the College realizes its full potential; we must

have the tangible support of alumni and friends who are willing to

commit vital resources.

Funding our 21st Century College

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Therefore, we are proud to announce the largest

fundraising campaign in the history of the College.

The Board of Trustees adopted Celebrating Carthage

during their 2005 Board Retreat. The total effort has

a comprehensive goal (dating from 1991) of raising

$1 million in gifts for every year of the College’s

existence since its founding in 1847. The Trustees

established December 31, 2012, as the deadline for

meeting the goal of raising $165 million.

This fundraising effort appeared highly ambitious

back in 2005. It is a testimony to the fervor of Carthage

alumni and friends that the campaign is on target to

achieve success by the closing date. That said, a strong

commitment by Carthage supporters will be necessary

to ensure that the goal is achieved. As of May 2011,

outright gifts, pledges, and estate commitments

received have moved the College 90 percent of the way to success.

We are pleased to report that only $15 million remains to be raised in

pursuit of the goal.

Celebrating Carthage is a comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Its objective is to secure endowment and annual gifts, as well as gifts for

capital projects and equipment. Therefore, all outright gifts, documented

pledges and estate commitments to Carthage prior to December 31, 2012,

count toward the campaign goal of $165 million.

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Your Support Makes a Difference

1. Students Carthage must attract, retain

and educate the very best people and the

very best students. They represent the next

generation of informed citizens, business and

political leaders, artists, and educators—the

next generation of Carthaginians. As the

College’s reputation increases in stature

and the value of a degree from Carthage

continues to rise, support for current and

future students is essential for success.

The commitment of the College’s partners

will play a crucial role by extending the

number and amount of scholarships available,

and providing the resources to increase

undergraduate learning opportunities.

At this time in our nation’s history, as well as

in Carthage history, financial support for our

neediest students has never been

more important.

As a teaching college, Carthage allocates resources with the principal

objective of bringing benefit to our students. This orientation forms the

three main priorities toward which gifts and commitments will be applied.

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2. Academics Carthage stands for a

classical education in the arts and sciences.

Regardless of a student’s major, the twin

processes of building vocabulary, and learning

to use that knowledge to think independently,

are the focus of teaching and learning at the

College. Additionally, all Carthage students

are encouraged to use their education to

contribute to the research and knowledge

base in their chosen field of study.

The core and general education, the

major field of study, and electives from

across the entire academic spectrum, come

together in approximately equal thirds

to constitute a Carthage baccalaureate

education. In the recent past, there have

been significant accomplishments in

curricular policy, and the overall quality

of instruction has risen appreciably. An

increase in the number of faculty has brought

to Carthage individuals with excellent

credentials and seriousness of purpose.

Donor support

undergirds our ability to

maintain a strong faculty

and a strong curriculum.

Your support also provides

the chance for students to

pursue distinctive learning

opportunities that might

otherwise be unavailable,

including internships,

campus leadership

involvement, community

service learning projects,

and much more.

With the support of its partners, the

College will nurture student and faculty

academic achievement, further advancing its

role as a hub of intellectual life, and a center

of academic excellence that garners national

respect in a growing number of fields.

“Being on the Carthage Microgravity team allowed me to apply text-book physics to solve real-world problems. Working with NASA engineers, and getting within a few yards of the space shuttle before its final launch, are experiences I will never forget.” — Amber Bakkum, ‘12,

Physics, Mathematics Winthrop Harbor, Ill.




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Your Support Makes a Difference

3. Campus Infrastructure Modern, efficient

facilities are essential to a quality learning

environment and to attracting the best faculty

and students to the College. Investment in

infrastructure is one of the most effective

ways of investing in the long-term future

of the College. These are facilities that will

withstand the test of time. Their initial price

is considerable, but in the long run, they are a

tremendous bargain. Future donors need not

worry about replacing what our generation will

leave to them. Since the turn of the century,

Carthage has invested more than $125 million

in new and improved facilities, and thanks

to the support of its generous donors, it has

fully funded all of those projects without

adding to the long-term debt of the College.

Each project materially has strengthened the

College’s ability to recruit students.

“I love how much Carthage has grown in just the last three years. I’m excited to see the Student Union become a central location for students to hang out and enjoy activities close to the residence halls.” — Jason Hartfield, ‘12,

International Political Economy Kenosha, Wis.

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Within the broader Celebrating

Carthage campaign initiative, there has

been a succession of special capital projects,

including the N. E. Tarble Athletic and

Recreation Center, Hedberg Library, the

A.W. Clausen Center for World Business,

The Oaks student village, and Tarble Arena.

While the transformation of large parts of the

campus has been dramatic, and the recent

completion of the new Student Union and

Art Keller Stadium will provide a competitive

advantage to the College throughout the

21st century, continued investment in

maintenance of campus infrastructure is

necessary to preserve that advantage.

“Without the Altera Scholarship, I would not have been able to attend Carthage. The scholarship gave me the chance to experience all of theamazing opportunities here that would have passed me by otherwise. It really changed my life and I am eternally grateful.” — Maeve McFadden, ‘12

English Decatur, Ill.




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Carthage is many things to many people. Yet, the core of our

mission is simple—we are here to ensure student success.

Indeed, we must continue to focus on this mission so that

our students are well prepared for today’s challenges and

opportunities. Our supporters help us maintain this focus.

Each gift is important to the lives of our students. Charitable

gifts that support scholarships, internships, and research

projects are examples that have a direct and immediate

impact. Support of the academic program and learning

resources do likewise. The campus is a different place today

as a result of generous gifts that have transformed the

physical spaces where learning occurs.

Carthage is fortunate to have many benefactors who

have remained steadfast in their support, even during

challenging times. Everyone who gives to Carthage adds to

the strong support system that our students rely upon as a

springboard to success.

Ways to Give

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If you would like to assist in our Celebrating Carthage campaign, you can do so in

one or more of the following ways.

Current Gifts Outright one-time gifts may be made with cash, securities, real

estate or personal property and may be designated to the area or program of

your choice.

Pledges Multi-year commitments, often spread over a three- to five-year

period, enable you to make significant contributions in a manner that best

accommodates your personal financial circumstances.

Planned Giving Gifts made from the assets you have accumulated over your

lifetime may take many forms. Most common are estate gift commitments from

your will or revocable trust. There are many more opportunities. Gifts from

retirement plan assets are becoming more common. Gifts of life insurance are

possible. Real estate can be an attractive option. Life income gifts like charitable

gift annuities and charitable trusts provide donors with income benefits and

Carthage with remainder gifts. The list goes on. Each provides Carthage with a

generous gift and each has it own particular tax advantages.

Henry Denhart Society For many Carthage alumni and friends, planned gifts

are among the most significant charitable investments they will make. There are

advantages to sharing with Carthage news of your intention to make an estate

gift and its estimated value. All such gifts identified before December 2012 count

toward the Celebrating Carthage campaign goal. Letting the College know that

you have provided a gift as part of your estate plan initiates your membership in

the Henry Denhart Society, a gathering of more than 500 individuals who

likewise have committed resources to the long-term viability of Carthage.

Becoming an indentified Carthage supporter at any giving level allows us to

include you in activities and celebrations that honor your investment, and bring you

together with others who share your commitment to Carthage and its students. Your

support of the people and the programs at Carthage College is sincerely appreciated.

Investments like yours help us maintain our focus on providing an outstanding

educational future for our students.

For additional information about giving to Carthage College, please contact:

Office of College Relations

2001 Alford Park Drive

Kenosha, WI 53140

(262) 551-5703 • (800) 551-1518

www.carthage.edu/celebrate13




Our heritage, leadership and traditions sustain our College today

and ensure our viability for tomorrow. Investing in students,

academic programs, and infrastructure secures our future as a

leading 21st century liberal arts college, and honors the people,

programs, and places that are Carthage.

As one of the nation’s most respected religiously-affiliated

liberal arts colleges, Carthage holds the promise and potential

to favorably strengthen the very fiber of our society’s well-

being. To fulfill that promise, to realize that potential, Carthage’s

reputation for academic excellence, individual achievement, and

service must continue to grow. Commitment of vital resources

by alumni and friends of the College is essential to these objectives.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, each Carthage student has an

increasing number of possibilities when choosing their path to success.

Still, we cannot rest. At a time of rapid technology transformation and

an ever more integrated global economy, our students must be more

enlightened, better informed, and increasingly resilient. A Carthage education

is a distinctive and irreplaceable element of their preparation.

We, as Carthage College stakeholders, must remain steadfastly

committed to supporting a rigorous and inspiring Carthage education,

encouraging each and every student along their life-changing

journey of discovery and fulfillment.

The partners who brought the College to life and fostered its

growth during the past 165 years are enshrined in the history of

this great institution. Now, it is our time to protect the promises

and leverage the investments of those who came before.

Our Promise

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It is time to add to Carthage lore the names of those

new and emerging partners who, by dint of their

faith, courage, and imagination, will pave the way to

Carthage’s next generation of progress.

The opportunity is now. The need is real.

Help Carthage make history today and

for years to come by becoming a part of

Celebrating Carthage.




2001 Alford Park DriveKenosha, Wisconsin 53140

800-551-1518www.carthage.edu/celebrate

CELEBRATINGCARTHAGE

165 • 50 • 25

celebrating carthage

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