Harnett County residents attended a reception at Campbell University’s Lynch Auditorium of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business Tuesday. A highlight of the annual Harnett County Loyalty Campaign, the reception introduced a 25-year plan for Campbell’s growth and development presented by President Jerry M. Wallace.The Campus Master Plan is a long-term initiative to improve the university through new constructions, renovations, additions to existing buildings and new open space improvements emphasizing more green space on campus. The centerpiece of the Master Plan is the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center, an arena that will serve as a setting for sporting and cultural events for the entire Harnett County area. Projected to be completed within the next five years, the center will contain 3,000 fixed seats for sporting events with a seating capacity of up to 5,000, and house an additional practice floor for basketball and volleyball, a wrestling room and the athletics hall of fame. It will also feature a 6,000-square-foot fitness center. “This campaign is the most important ever as we focus on Campbell’s Campus Master Plan, especially the construction of the new John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center,” said Harnett County Commission Chairman Teddy Byrd, president of the 2005 Loyalty campaign. “This arena will bring thousands of people and pump millions of dollars into our local economy.” Campbell plays a vital economic role in the financial well being of Harnett County as one of its largest employers, Byrd added. “Campbell University is the old reliable, the one that has been here for over a century that has not pulled up roots, closed its doors and left vacant buildings dotting the landscape. Dollars earned and spent in Harnett County by Campbell employees and students turn over many times in the community and cause many more persons to be employed,” said Byrd. In a proclamation presented by the Harnett County Commissioners and the mayors of Angier, Coats, Dunn, Erwin and Lillington, Tuesday, April 26, was proclaimed “Campbell University Loyalty Day.” Architectural drawings of the convocation center and Campus Master Plan were displayed on easels located in the foyer of Lynch Auditorium. Guests also treated themselves to refreshments. Patrice Thompson, first vice president for the campaign, and Second Vice President Wiley Pope, as well as many Campbell trustees were on hand for the event.Photo Copy: Officers for the 2005 Harnett County Loyalty Campaign and Campbell President Jerry Wallace welcomed county residents at a reception at Campbell University Tuesday, April 26. From left, Wiley Pope, second vice president; Patrice Thompson, first vice president; Dr. Jerry M. Wallace; and Teddy Byrd, president of the campaign. (Photo by Bennett Scarborough)
Campbell Campus Master Plan is focus of Loyalty Campaign