Phil Hettema Contributes to the Success of Art Center's "80 for 80" Scholarship Initiative
ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN EXCEEDS “80 FOR 80” SCHOLARSHIP INITIATIVE FUNDRAISING GOAL WITH MORE THAN $3 MILLION RAISED
August 15, 2011, Pasadena, Calif. – Art Center College of Design proudly announces the successful completion of its “80 for 80” scholarship initiative with more than $3 million raised to support students in the College’s undergraduate, graduate and public programs. At the conclusion of the 18-month long “80 for 80” initiative, the College raised a total of $3,121,730 for annual and endowed scholarships, exceeding its $2 million goal by 56%.
On the occasion of its 80th anniversary in 2010, the College launched the “80 for 80” fundraising initiative to secure the equivalent of 80 $25,000 scholarships. By its completion, the initiative had raised the equivalent of 124 $25,000 scholarships. The College’s commitment to ensure access to students through scholarships and other forms of financial aid continues to be a priority and is outlined in Create Change: Art Center’s Strategic Plan (2011‐2016).
“I am delighted with the level of support generated by the ‘80 for 80’ initiative,” said Art Center President Dr. Lorne M. Buchman. “We launched 80 for 80 in direct response to the pressing financial needs of our students and we are grateful to the broader Art Center community for helping us exceed our goals. It’s an important step as we strive to make Art Center accessible and affordable to talented artists and designers regardless of their socio-economic background.”
Phil Hettema ILLU ’81, Art Center alumnus and founder of The Hettema Group, an award-winning theme park and museum design firm, said, “These are difficult economic times for everyone and Art Center students are not exempt, but I have a sense that the College is responding to these challenges in a forthright way. The energy and sense of vision at Art Center feels stronger than ever and the strategic plan exemplifies this. There's a real investment and passion in the students with a focus on dynamic learning and initiatives that are meaningful in today’s world.
“Creating a scholarship assures me that my contribution is going to make a direct impact on students for many years to come,” Mr. Hettema continued. “It’s an opportunity to give back to Art Center, with the hope that the recipients of my scholarship will do the same when their turn comes."