Title: Muhlenberg College Receives $650,000 Award ELCA NEWS SERVICE April 9, 1998 MUHLENBERG COLLEGE RECEIVES $650,000 AWARD 98-13-801-MR CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Muhlenberg College, Allentown, Pa., received a $650,000 "challenge" grant from The Kresge Foundation to complete the renovation of its athletic fields. Muhlenberg is one of 28 college and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The grant will also be used to help build a multi-purpose athletic stadium that will include an artificial surface, lights, bleachers and an eight-lane track. The challenge requires the college to raise the remaining $1.4 million needed to complete the athletic fields and a performing arts building by Sept. 1, 1999. The performing arts building will include a dance studio, classroom space, a costume and scene shop, an experimental theater and a 350-seat Broadway-style theater. "This gift is just one more validation of our efforts to create a caring environment and a quality educational experience," said Arthur R. Taylor, college president. "This grant will assist us in building an even stronger base of support for our programs." Kresge grants are awarded for projects involving construction or renovation of facilities. Grant recipients must raise initial funds for the project before requesting support from the foundation. The Kresge Foundation, an independent, private foundation based in Troy, Mich., granted nearly $96 million to 180 charitable organizations in 1997. For information contact: Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html