*Jon Terry, Au Sable Executive Director, at Capital Campaign Celebration and Dedication*

Over 100 students, faculty, staff, alumni, current and former board members, and friends of Au Sable came together on Saturday, August 1 to celebrate the completion of Au Sable’s first-ever capital campaign and the dedication of two campus buildings renamed in honor of Au Sable’s founding trustees, Harold Snyder and Bert Froysland.

The Strong Roots, New Growth capital campaign was launched last year with the goal of raising $770,000 for much-needed improvements on Au Sable’s Great Lakes campus. On Saturday, Jon Terry, Au Sable’s Executive Director, announced that 220 households had contributed to the campaign, surpassing the goal and raising more than $797,000.

“You may be asking yourself what we did with all the money,” Terry said to a full house gathered in Snyder Lodge. “Well, we spent it. We spent it on exactly what we said we would,” detailing a list of improvements that will serve students and faculty for years to come while making Au Sable’s campus more welcoming and sustainable in line with its mission and values. “That's what your gifts have made possible. Thank you.”

The highlight of the day was the dedication of Snyder Lodge and Froysland Hall. Jon Terry paid tribute to Harold Snyder and Bert Froysland as Au Sable’s founders, saying “They dug the wells that we now drink from.” He also acknowledged that neither Harold or Bert nor their families ever asked for this honor and that while the two founding trustees “would probably be uncomfortable with all the attention today,” it is important to remember our past and those who came before us.

“But ultimately,” Terry said, “we are naming these buildings Snyder Lodge and Froysland Hall not just to remember our history, but because we still believe what Harold and Bert believed. Harold believed this place should glorify God through the study of His creation. Bert believed that lives are changed around the table and in Christian community.”

“So, today we name and dedicate these buildings not only in gratitude for Harold’s and Bert’s lives, but as our way of saying that their vision is still our vision.”

Jim Snyder and Bert Froysland then read the texts from the plaques honoring their fathers that will hang in Snyder Lodge and Froysland Hall. After a time of closing prayer, the dedication concluded with singing the doxology. Students, faculty, and guests then enjoyed a special lunch together in Froysland Hall.