This is not new news, but in today's Trib under IA team synopsis, there is a mention of BSU kicking off a $12 million campaign for renovations of their stadium, which includes private suites. As you are probably all aware, BSU has already made a number of improvements to their stadium with an endzone combo stands/conditioning building, and new away stands.

Also, the blurb mentioned that BSU has a 78% graduation rate of their players, tops among all public universities in DIA.

Just happened to receive an email from by brother, a BSU grad....he tells me that $6MM of the money has already been raised....one well-heeled alum kicked in $2mil himself. The plans also call for adding 3K curved endzone seats with a grassy knoll for informal seating so there will be seats in both endzones.

See it here:
<a href='http://www.bsu.edu/stadium/article/0,1898,-11821-26662,00.html' target='_blank'>http://www.bsu.edu/stadium/article/0,1898,...1-26662,00.html</a>[/URL]

So, Miami and BSU are both putting in $12-13MM into their stadiums this year, but God forbid they don't hit 15K or they'll be put in IA purgatory. Seems like most MAC teams are investing the best they can in their sports programs, esp. considering the crunch on money at major public schools and the limited budgets we all have to work with.

Papa Lou....any other comments as to how the fund drive is going?

The funding campaign has been going very well for the past year, in the "quiet" phase. Our new university president, Jo Ann Gora, and the Board of Trustees have made it a priority by announcing a formal campaign. Reaction has been very positive, and there are whispers that a few other big donors are possibly being lined up, as well.

It's a wonderful development and one that's looooooooooong overdue.

Great to hear, Papa.....the plans look awesome and would put BSU's stadium into the upper tier of all MAC stadiums!

Don't know if any of you Card fans out there remember former player John Scheumann, but he's the guy who gave BSU the $2million gift. (as reported today in the Trib). Apparently he's a successful homebuilder.