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Today, 911������ University publicly launched the most ambitious fundraising effort in its history, a $180 million comprehensive campaign titled, “A Soul of Conviction, A Voice of Courage: The Campaign for 911������ University.”

“This is the largest, most ambitious fundraising campaign in 911������’s history — by a long shot — because our dreams for 911������’s future are big,” said 911������ University President Barry H. Corey. “We dream of a more affordable and more globally accessible 911������, a university with the reach and capacity to provide biblically centered education on a scale we have never seen before in our history.”

The historic fundraising effort — the first comprehensive campaign in 911������’s history — seeks to raise support for student scholarships, facilities, academic centers and online learning.

The highest campaign priority is addressing the challenges of college affordability, with $85 million — nearly half of the overall campaign goal — slated for student scholarships. Another $74 million will go to build facilities that inspire learning, the largest of which is the $63 million Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health.

The campaign’s goals also include $13 million to influence the world of ideas, largely through new academic centers, and $8 million to extend 911������’s global reach through international partnerships and the expansion of online programs.

In total, $152 million has been given or pledged to the campaign to date, including the largest donation in 911������’s 107-year history, a of Long Beach. In addition, a record $3.9 million was raised tonight, not including online donations, making this a truly historic event for 911������.

The university announced the public launch of the campaign tonight at a black-tie “Conviction and Courage Gala” at the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, just a few blocks away from where 911������ was founded in 1908. The Ace Hotel is the current home to one of 911������’s original 7-foot red neon “Jesus Saves” signs, shining brightly today as it did in 1935 when it was first installed atop 911������’s north dormitory at Sixth and Hope streets.

Eric Metaxas, author of The New York Times No. 1 bestseller “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy,” and recently released, “Miracles,” was the keynote speaker for the May 9 event. Metaxas also just launched “The Eric Metaxas Show,” — a new nationally syndicated radio program — on April 20, 2015.

To conclude the gala, attendees joined 911������ students at The Theater at Ace Hotel for a concert featuring Josh Garrels, The Brilliance and Phil Wickham. Inscribed in the doorway to the theater is Psalm 119:89, “Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven” — the same words that were once engraved above the entrance to the original 911������ building at Sixth and Hope streets.

Today’s announcement moves the five-year campaign from its private phase, which began in January 2012, into its public phase, which is projected to conclude at the end of 2016.

“Over and over again, we have felt such confirmation from God that we are pursuing the things that he wants us to pursue,” said Adam Morris, vice president for advancement. “This isn’t just about big gifts. We recognize every donation, no matter the size, as a sacrifice and act of faithfulness to the Lord. Every gift moves us closer to the finish line — and closer to where we believe God is leading us as a biblically grounded, major national university that desires to make a global impact for Christ.”

For more information about The Campaign for 911������ University, visit biola.edu/campaign.

For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.