Park University to Celebrate 'Windows of Opportunity' Campaign | Schools

Park University will celebrate the success of its “Windows of Opportunity” fundraising campaign at a ceremony planned for Friday, June 24, beginning at 3 p.m. on the University’s Parkville Campus. The campaign raised $336,000 to replace windows in the historic Norrington Center, which currently houses Park’s Office of Admissions.

The effort began in March 2009 to replace the windows and frames in the 103-year-old building — formerly known as the Carnegie Library — with state-of-the art, custom-made thermal windows. A committee comprised of Park staff and faculty members solicited donations from alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, administrators, students, friends, foundations and a variety of corporations who responded generously.

Thanks to more than 340 donors and the matching support of an anonymous business partner, the goal was reached and the windows were installed. The Marvin Windows, close reproductions of the originals, were constructed by Kansas City Millwork and installed by Midwest Construction Service of Riverside, Mo.

“This fundraising effort was so important not only because it provided the funds for a very critical capital project, but also because it allowed our Park family and friends to work together to bring about an exciting success,” said Laurie McCormack, vice president for university advancement.

The Norrington renovation project gained national attention in September 2010 when a handful of St. Joseph (Mo.) Gazette newspapers dating back to 1907 were discovered by construction crews. The newspapers were found rolled up inside the walls — apparently used as insulation during the construction of the building.