In September, Spring Arbor University (SAU) launched Ignite: The Campaign for Spring Arbor University, the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s 152-year history. It’s with great excitement that SAU announces a $5 million commitment from Lois Mol to fund a state-of-the-art learning space for the university’s nursing program and expanded lab space in the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center.

Lois's profound love for healthcare providers has been impactful at SAU, beginning with the establishment of the Jacob & Lois Mol Nursing Scholarship and the Jacob & Lois Mol Nursing Simulation Labs, all within the last five years. Both the endowed scholarship and the nursing simulation labs are named in honor of Lois and her late husband, Jacob "Jay.”

“It brings me great joy to see nursing students excel in the classroom while being the hands and feet of Christ,” said Lois. “Healthcare is a demanding field, and we need more nurses like those that Spring Arbor trains and prepares. My prayer is for Spring Arbor to continue equipping students who are well-trained in healthcare to be the shining light of Christ to every patient they serve.”

Lois's SAU story began when two of her grandchildren graduated from Spring Arbor. A second generation, her great grandchild, is a current student. The family connections to SAU also include two grandchildren who currently work on staff for the university and a son who serves on the Board of Trustees. 

"This transformational $5 million gift from Lois Mol will have a profound impact on the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center project and the next generation of nursing and science students we prepare," said Spring Arbor University President Brent Ellis. "Lois and the entire Mol family have been faithful champions of SAU's commitment to equip students to be excellent in their discipline and impactful ambassadors for Christ. We are immensely grateful to Lois and the Mol family for their vision, leadership, generosity, and dedication to furthering our mission to educate for Christ and His Kingdom. This gift is truly an answer to prayer."

With a campaign goal of $80M, this lead gift is a significant investment in SAU. Because of the generosity of donors, like Lois, Spring Arbor University recently announced a campaign that has surpassed $62M in gifts, pledges, and planned giving commitments.

Guided by years of strategic planning, Ignite: The Campaign for Spring Arbor University is raising crucial funds for the modernization and expansion of the Whiteman Gibbs Science Center, building a stronger endowment, and providing support for students both now and in the future through the Arbor Fund. For more information about the Ignite Campaign, please visit www.sauignite.org.