Missouri Baptist University (MBU) has announced that it raised more than $2 million in the past year, securing a $1.6 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation.

The funds will support construction of an academic building and welcome center on MBU’s main campus in St. Louis. The building will house MBU’s School of Nursing and College of Business and Entrepreneurship, as well as a welcome center for prospective students and campus guests. The university plans to break ground on the building in late spring 2025.

The Mabee Foundation also awarded a challenge grant to Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, in support of the renovation of its Mary J. Regier Building—the future home of its Business and Entrepreneurship Center. The $1.3 million challenge grant is the eighth that the college has received from the foundation. To date, the college has received commitments totaling $6.7 million toward the $11 million renovation.

“This challenge grant results from the incredible partnership of Tabor College and the Mabee Foundation,” said Tabor College president David Janzen. “We’re deeply grateful for the donors who have already supported our vision and look forward to speaking with those who will help us reach this goal.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/skynesher)