Simpson University Receives Substantial Gift for Faculty Development

Immediate Release
Feb. 3, 2006

REDDING, Calif. - A Simpson University alumnus has committed nearly $1 million to establish an endowment fund that
focuses on faculty enrichment.

The Rev. Charles Dale, a longtime supporter of Simpson and a 1938 graduate, pledged $900,000 toward the support of the university's faculty, which includes 40 full-time professors. It is Dale's hope that others will match his gifts, bringing the final endowment for faculty development to at least $2 million.

Pastor Dale told Simpson University President James M. Grant that he wanted to invest in people rather than in buildings. "People will always bring greater returns," he said.

A $1 million endowment generates about $50,000 annually for professional development. The Charles H. Dale Faculty Development Fund will include the following annual gifts: $5,000 for faculty research (a scholar grant); $5,000 to honor a distinguished professor; and $35,000 for general faculty development, including conferences and materials.

The first Charles H. Dale Faculty Scholar Grant was awarded recently to Dr. Kevin Spawn, associate professor of Old Testament. Dr. Spawn will use the $5,000 grant to purchase materials needed for an international research project that focuses on further understanding ancient Hebrew. Dr. Spawn was invited to participate in the project, which is coordinated through Cambridge University in England.

Simpson University, located at 2211 College View Drive in Redding, is a Christian liberal arts university offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson's academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit www.simpsonuniversity.edu.

Media Contact

Contact: Gordon Flinn, VP of Marketing and Development
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(530) 226-4735