John Ed Miller, '66, left, presents Dean Kenneth Galloway a check for $500,000 from BellSouth at the recent Committee of Visitors meeting at the School of Engineering. The gift, one of the largest corporate gifts ever received by the School, pushed the amount raised for the new building project over the $13 million minimum required to begin construction. Photo by David Crenshaw

Alumni, knowing how important a new facility is to the future of the School of Engineering, have responded to the building project with great enthusiasm.
Leadership gifts totalling $13 million have been raised, allowing the renovation and expansion project to move forward.
More fundraising is necessary, however, to complete the project and avoid a heavy debt burden at the School, says Dennis C. Bottorff, '66, vice-chairman of Vanderbilt's Board of Trust and member of the University's executive committee.
"I am pleased we have reached the minimum fundraising goal of $13 million, but we must continue the fundraising effort to avoid strapping the School with the burden of a large loan and depleting its reserve funds," he says.
Bottorff, like other VUSE alumni, is aware that renovation and expansion of the building is central to continuing success in all areas at the School -- student and faculty recruitment, growth in research, and financial stability. "I have had the opportunity during the past three years to hear a number of status reports by Dean Ken Galloway. I am impressed by the progress being made and convinced the School is on the verge of even greater accomplishments."
John Hall, '55, and William Featheringill, '64, agree.
"In 1951 when I was a freshman engineering student, this building was brand new," says Hall. "It has changed very little since that time and certainly has reached the point of needing a major renovation. I am honored that the fundraising effort began during my tenure as president of the Board of Trust and am delighted the construction will begin soon. The many positive changes to take place as a result of the new building will greatly enhance the quality of life at the School of Engineering. And the entire University community will benefit from what the new space brings to academics."
"Ever since I was a student in the early 1960s, the Engineering School has not enjoyed as prominent a status as other parts of the campus. This has been especially true in terms of the facilities," adds Featheringill, who, during school, served as president of the Student Government Association. "I am very pleased with the progress we are making under the leadership of Dean Galloway as the School moves up in the national rankings and toward a position of parity with other schools and departments at Vanderbilt. I think the expansion and renovation of Jacobs Hall is an essential step in this process and will be instrumental in achieving our goals."

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