When Walla Walla University launched the Life.Changing. Campaign in 2015, the vision was bold to transform campus facilities, strengthen the endowment, and invest in the future of Christian higher education. Today, we are thrilled to announce that the comprehensive campaign has successfully met that vision.
The Life.Changing. Campaign raised more than $70 million, and among its achievements are the complete transformation of Bowers Hall, adding more than $18 million in gifts and commitments to the university’s endowment, and raising more than $23 million for a vibrant Student Life and Ministry Center.
A celebration of completion is scheduled for Friday, April 24, outside of Kellogg Hall on Walla Walla University’s campus during the university’s annual homecoming weekend.
“We hope every donor will celebrate this big milestone with us,” says Alex Bryan, president. “Together, we’ve given the university an essential boost. We should feel the deep satisfaction of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Renewing Bowers Hall
The first capital project tackled under the campaign, the $4 million Bowers Hall renovation project, completely renewed the most historical building on our campus into a modern home for the university’s School of Business. The renovation added more than 3,000 new square feet and reorganized the more than 11,000 square feet in the 102-year-old building.
At the project’s January 2017 groundbreaking ceremony, John McVay, then university president, invited guests to imagine the new space as “an environment that is tuned to cutting-edge School of Business education and project-based learning with lots of circulation space and lots of community-building space.” McVay’s vision has been fully realized. Since its December 2017 ribbon-cutting ceremony, the renewed Bowers Hall has served as a hub for business education, and it is one of the busiest spaces on campus.
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to help our donors make this happen,” says Troy Patzer, associate vice president for advancement and one of the campaign’s chief fundraisers. “Now, Bowers Hall is always alive with activity—classes, presentations, job fairs, worships, Sabbath Sigh events, ASWWU Senate, and more. As a Walla Walla University business administration alum myself, it is gratifying to see this project serve the university so well.”
Strengthening the endowment
While gifts that fund today’s needs are deeply appreciated, WWU’s leaders also recognize the importance of ensuring resources for the university’s future. For that reason, in 2015 WWU’s Board of Trustees established a Life.Changing. Campaign goal to grow the university’s endowment by $5 million.
“Thanks to generous and future-focused donors, we raised more than $18 million for our endowment, more than triple our goal,” says Dorita Tessier, director of gift planning. Endowment contributions are permanently invested, with only a portion of the earnings spent each year, providing a reliable income in perpetuity, she adds. Endowed funds are commonly designated for scholarships, but they may also be designated for academic programming or capital improvements.
“Whether it was from cash gifts, gifts of property, or estate gifts, these wise donor-investors recognized the blessings that these resources will provide Walla Walla University in the years to come. Those that follow in our footsteps will recognize and appreciate our efforts to grow the endowment now.”
Creating a Student Life and Ministry Center
“As a Walla Walla College student-government leader, I was frequently involved in conversations about needing a better student center on our campus. Now, 35 years later, I am thrilled that we are finally making this happen,” says Jodi Wagner, vice president for marketing and enrollment, and manager of the campaign from 2015 to 2024.
Work is underway on Kellogg Hall, which will receive a $23 million top-to-bottom renovation, and a new expansion, resulting in more than 22,000 square feet devoted to gathering, ministry, and student life. Campus Ministries and Student Life offices will be conveniently located on the first floor, along with The Atlas, game areas, a band practice room, and “living room” spaces for students to gather. An enhanced dining room and the new “Wolf Den” grab-and-go eatery will occupy the second floor. The new center, SLMC as it is commonly called, will make its full debut in winter 2027.
“As an alum of Walla Walla College and now an administrator who works daily with our students, it is so exciting to see the construction fences up, and work happening on Kellogg Hall,” adds Darren Wilkins, vice president for student life. “This new Student Life and Ministry Center will amplify what Walla Walla University is already known for—connected, spiritually-focused, leadership-minded students who intend to continue our ‘Hello Walk’ spirit.”
A full-team lift
The Life.Changing. Campaign was a team effort from the beginning, notes Wagner. “Students, faculty, and staff helped us develop and refine a vision for what we wanted to accomplish, our Board members achieved 100 percent giving each year throughout the campaign, and alumni and donors stepped up—even when the pandemic interrupted our work for a time—to support our goals. This was a heavy lift, but it confirmed that our Walla Walla University community is alive and well. We should be proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
“This really is a time for celebration,” adds Bryan. “We are thankful to the hundreds of donors who have helped us strengthen Walla Walla University through this campaign, and, may I add, who continue to push us to lean into future opportunities with confidence.
“We’re ready to rise to their challenge, and excited about what the future holds.”
Posted April 16, 2026
