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Faith

It’s Settled: Hobby Lobby Owners Will Donate $20 Million Campus to This Christian University

Sep. 21, 2012 5:24pm

BOSTON (AP) — The owners of an historic campus in the hills of western Massachusetts announced Friday that they’ll give it away to a Christian college from Arizona that plans to eventually host 5,000 students there.

The Northfield campus will be a new home for Grand Canyon University, the first for-profit Christian school in the country.

Grand Canyon was the choice after the other finalist, the North American Missions Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, backed out of the running.

Hobby Lobby Owners to Donate Campus to Grand Canyon University

Photo Credit: FILE

The two were the last standing after more than 100 organizations, from culinary schools to TV ministries, expressed interest in the free 217-acre property along the Connecticut River, which its owners value at about $20 million.

In the end, Grand Canyon’s financial strength, growth and vibrant Christian life made it a great choice, said Steve Green, president of the Oklahoma City-based Hobby Lobby craft store chain, whose family owns the campus.

“We are excited about the opportunity to see Grand Canyon bring it to life,” Green said.

The family hopes to close the deal by year’s end, he said.

The campus once housed the Northfield Mount Herman prep school, founded by 19th century evangelist D.L. Moody. The Greens bought it in 2009 and later offered to give it away to group that would honor Moody’s commitment to traditional Christian teachings.

Hobby Lobby Owners to Donate Campus to Grand Canyon University

A woman walks from a Hobby Lobby Inc., store in Little Rock, Ark., Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. The Oklahoma City-based chain filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday over a mandate in the health reform law that requires employers to provide coverage for the morning-after pill. (Photo Credit: AP)

Grand Canyon University, based in Phoenix, has about 7,000 traditional students and 40,000 online students. With a base in the Northeast, Grand Canyon chief executive Brian Mueller thinks the online number can grow by 8 percent annually. Here’s what the university had to say about the announcement on its web site:

The union of the historic Northfield Moody Campus property and Arizona’s premier Christian university extends an unprecedented opportunity for a private college education to students in the Northeastern United States.

Grand Canyon University, a dynamic, vibrant, interdenominational institution, has helped students find their purpose since its humble beginnings in Prescott, Arizona, in 1949. The university takes seriously its mission of preparing the next generation of leaders in education, nursing, business, Christian studies, and the liberal and fine arts.

GCU will create in the Northeast what it has already done with great vision and success in the Southwest. The longrange goal is for the Northfield Moody Campus to be a standalone university with its own accreditation, attracting passionate, scholarly faculty and high-quality, committed students. Programs will be offered at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

The school expects to spend $100 million to $150 million on infrastructure and other improvements in Northfield, with students arriving starting in 2014. The build-up to 5,000 students and full academic, athletic and arts programs will take place over several years, and with full consultation with the community, he said.

“We want to build on what’s there,” Mueller said. “It’s historic. It’s beautiful.”

The plan promises economic development, but there’s uncertainty about the impact in Northfield, with a population just under 1,100. Residents have expressed concerns about the potentially restrictive beliefs of the new institution, the effects on their school system and even the town’s survival.

Corine Allen, owner of Rooster’s Bistro on Main Street, said some will undoubtedly be disappointed to lose “the Norman Rockwell-y feel of our small country town.” But she said she was elated by Grand Canyon’s pending arrival, citing benefits such as increased property values, more visitors and more business.

“I feel as though the town is sinking. This is going to save us,” she said. “There’s far more advantages than disadvantages.”

The campus was built in 1879 and abandoned by the prep school in 2005, which consolidated at another nearby campus. It left behind a collection of dignified but deteriorating buildings and $1 million in annual utility costs.

Hobby Lobby Owners to Donate Campus to Grand Canyon University

Photo Credit: Grand Canyon University

The Greens spent $5 million on upgrades and repairs, intending to give it to a new college named for Christian scholar C.S. Lewis. But that project ran into financing problems in December, and the Greens made their unique offer.

Despite the broad interest, the number of organizations capable and willing to assume the steep costs of running the entire campus was relatively small. The Southern Baptist mission board, which proposed running the campus as a missionary training and pastoral retreat center, said Friday it decided it wasn’t for them “after closely evaluating the potential uses, logistics, and operating expenses.”

Phoenix-based Grand Canyon University was founded in 1949 as a private Christian university and was saved from bankruptcy in 2005 by a group of Christian investors.

Mueller said the school aims to provide a private Christian college education at an affordable cost, which is kept low in part by funds from its large online enrollment and investment in the publicly-traded company. Tuition is $16,500, roughly half the average $32,617 tuition at a private, four-year college, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics.

The business model has worked, as growth in its traditional and online student body has been exponential. But Green said it’s important that, before the deal closes, the school shows how it intended to keep its Christian heritage central to its mission.

Mueller said the school’s approach is to make its Christian identity a main, but voluntary, part of campus life, in the hope people are attracted to what they see. It has worked to build a strong Christian community in Phoenix, and he believes it will work in Northfield.

“We are anxious for the opportunity,” he said. “We are anxious to take it on.”

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Comments (52)

  • tbrew
    Posted on September 24, 2012 at 7:20am

    I love Hobby Lobby and now I love them more….faith with works and charity is what this is…chairty without government…faith in action….may my business grow to the point I can do this but for now I will giver from where I am and from what I have….so that I may give more.

    Report this comment

    tbrew  
  • skeels12
    Posted on September 24, 2012 at 2:43am

    Add your comments

    Report this comment

    skeels12  
  • mdalton_5117
    Posted on September 23, 2012 at 12:50pm

    I’m afraid the northeast liberals will inavde this school and try to sink it from within with lawsuit after lawsuit. Be prepared GCU. You will be in hostile territory.

    Report this comment

    mdalton_5117  
    • skeels12
      Posted on September 24, 2012 at 2:42am

      Before we claim great things have been done by this great Christian company are a few things that need to be addressed by how can I be first. 1. The known dealings in real estate with drug lords from Mexico and border towns in Texas. McAllen and Eagle Pass are the exact locations of these real estate transactions. 2. They have to contribution

      Report this comment

      skeels12  
  • hopeintomorrow
    Posted on September 23, 2012 at 11:38am

    Hobby Lobby deserves a pat on the back for this one! Standing for Christian values and rewarding others who do the same is wonderful. We live in a day when our values and freedoms have come under attack by those who hate our beliefs. They want us to accept their “lifestyles” which go against our moral teachings and the tenants we hold dear. Hobby Lobby is a good example of a company that honors these values and rewards others who do also. I will shop there from now on and invite others to support them too.

    Report this comment

    hopeintomorrow  
  • Panchogun
    Posted on September 22, 2012 at 11:17pm

    I went into a HL store a couple of years ago hoping to find some parts for radio controlled aircraft. Well, it’s a macrame and arts and crafts store, sort of a narrow interpretation of hobby. Anyway, knowing that they are doing good things, I am going to one of the stores this week end, and find a reason to spend $50–something for the wife, I guess. I am now an official fan of Hobby Lobby.

    Report this comment

    Panchogun  
  • RightChoice
    Posted on September 22, 2012 at 3:42pm

    This is the way to spread ‘The Wealth’. For a worthy cause with good returns.
    I don’t want to spread my wealth in a public system where leeches and parasites reside.

    Report this comment

    RightChoice  
  • Electra
    Posted on September 22, 2012 at 12:19pm

    I love Hobby Lobby, but wish that everything in the store wasn’t from China.

    Report this comment

    Electra  
    • chucksue351
      Posted on September 22, 2012 at 4:13pm

      i suppose that their seasonal section will again contain all of the halloween items, just where in the Scriptures do we find halloween celebration, shame on hobby lobby

      Report this comment

      chucksue351  
    • Longhorns62
      Posted on September 23, 2012 at 11:56am

      I do contracting work for Hobby Lobby, 20 years, really good company. So what if they sell Halloween stuff. Halloween is fun. Don’t be a buzz kill!

      Report this comment

      Longhorns62  
  • Texaslockstar
    Posted on September 22, 2012 at 10:22am

    “Grand Canyon University, the first for-profit Christian school in the country.” Someone should do their reserch better. Austin Collage in Texas is a for profit Christian school and it’s been here sence the mid 1800′s.

    Report this comment

    Texaslockstar  
    • JethroUSMC
      Posted on September 22, 2012 at 4:20pm

      It’s College not Collage and Since not Sence. Just giving you a hard time…

      Signed,

      The Grammar and Spelling Nazi…lol

      Report this comment

      JethroUSMC  
  • Truth4SureNuff
    Posted on September 22, 2012 at 10:08am

    Awesome,
    Christians founded this Great Nation and I pray they can bring her back from the abyss

    Report this comment

    Truth4SureNuff  
  • hi
    Posted on September 22, 2012 at 9:22am

    My husband didn’t know what Hobby Lobby was. When I told him he said he could never walk into a store like that. So, for the men on this sight who think Hobby Lobby is a lobbiest group in Washington, it is actually a store like Michaels with craft supplies.

    Report this comment

    hi  
    • Leader1776
      Posted on September 22, 2012 at 11:08am

      @HI
      No offense, but how could anyone smart enough to know what a lobbyist group is not know what a STORE named Hobby Lobby is? As Biden said to the group of cheerleaders this week: ‘that blows my mind’ ;-)

      Report this comment

      Leader1776  
    • WireWizard
      Posted on September 22, 2012 at 2:12pm

      Does your husband hate Jesus? What’s up with that??

      Report this comment

      WireWizard  
    • The_Cabrito_Goat
      Posted on September 22, 2012 at 4:11pm

      As a man, I would have no business walking into an arts and crafts store.

      Report this comment

      The_Cabrito_Goat  
    • hi
      Posted on September 23, 2012 at 11:20am

      My husband loves Jesus, but not knitting. He hasn’t heard of Hobby Lobby. Funny because he’d be the guy who would win the entire pot on Who Wants to be a Millionaire or Cash Cab. (except for the hobby store question)

      Report this comment

      hi  
  • VoteConservative2012
    Posted on September 22, 2012 at 8:10am

    Christian-based Hobby Lobby is being boycotted for not wanting to provide government-mandated insurance that covers the morning after pill and similar drugs. If you agree that the federal government is overstepping its authority forcing private businesses into adopting policies that the owners disagree with, please stand up and be counted. Join us for “Shop at Hobby Lobby Day!” on Friday, October 12th!!
    http://www.facebook.com/groups/SupportHobbyLobby/

    Report this comment

    VoteConservative2012  
  • Moozmom
    Posted on September 22, 2012 at 4:00am

    Folks poo-pooing this announcement for one reason or another are those that sit back in life and complain that life isn’t “fair” or the rich keep getting richer and the poor, poorer. They are the nay-sayers in this world and will always exist.
    Thank you Hobby Lobby – love your stores and now love them even more!

    Report this comment

    Moozmom  
    • johnpaulkuchtajr
      Posted on September 22, 2012 at 6:36am

      Wait for Obama’s IRS to give their final approval. They WILL have to approve the donation, won’t they? Remember that Hobby Lobby “didn’t build that.”

      I foresee the IRS rejecting the donation from Hobby Lobby to Grand Canyon to allow the “gubbamint” to seize the rural location for themselves. That way, they could transform the campus into the five star resort that “gubbamint” employees and politicians have ALWAYS merited. With an “in-house” five star resort at their disposal, they would not have to resort to going to private sector facilities that can cause so much unwanted publicity.

      And, naturally, the facility would cater to some of the more exotic personal tastes of folks like Barney Frank, Anthony Weiner, DHS managers and others.

      Report this comment

      johnpaulkuchtajr  
    • VoteConservative2012
      Posted on September 22, 2012 at 8:11am

      Christian-based Hobby Lobby is being boycotted for not wanting to provide government-mandated insurance that covers the morning after pill and similar drugs. If you agree that the federal government is overstepping its authority forcing private businesses into adopting policies that the owners disagree with, please stand up and be counted. Join us for “Shop at Hobby Lobby Day!” on Friday, October 12th!!

      Report this comment

      VoteConservative2012  
  • hi
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 11:43pm

    Do they realize that the owners of Grand Canyon University are Mormon????? It is still a Christian school somehow. But, that seems to be a big red flag!

    Report this comment

    hi  
    • WireWizard
      Posted on September 22, 2012 at 2:05pm

      Do you realize the Mormons are The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
      Do you know they accept Jesus Christ as the Savior that died on the cross for our salvation?
      What do YOU call a Christian?

      Report this comment

      WireWizard  
    • RightChoice
      Posted on September 22, 2012 at 4:32pm

      Don’t know where you get that piece of information from.

      Grand Canyon University founded by Baptists in 1949.
      Hobby Lobby owner is Baptist.
      Dwight L. Moody was a famous London Baptist.

      quote from above :
      “The campus once housed the Northfield Mount Herman prep school, founded by 19th century evangelist D.L. Moody. The Greens bought it in 2009 and later offered to give it away to group that would honor Moody’s commitment to traditional Christian teachings.”

      unquote

      Mitt Romney is a Mormon. I support him 100%
      Glenn Beck is a Mormon. I support him 100%
      Harry Reid is a Mormon. He and his kind are ruining this great country – support him ? -100%

      Report this comment

      RightChoice  
    • hi
      Posted on September 23, 2012 at 11:37am

      The Bible warns readers in Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6 and Revelation 22:18-19 not to add to or delete from what God has revealed, and those who believe the Bible have obeyed it. But Joseph Smith added, deleted and changed many parts of the Bible in his Joseph Smith Translation or JST (also called the Inspired Version), which shows how he viewed the Bible.-john ankerberg

      Report this comment

      hi  
  • cosmic dogma
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 11:18pm

    Wonderful news. Thanks Hobby Lobby. America needs more Christians like you.

    Report this comment

    cosmic dogma  
  • eddie333
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 9:03pm

    Too bad it is in Massachusetts. Such politically dark place.

    Report this comment

    eddie333  
  • Delores at CH WV
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 7:28pm

    Hobby Lobby stores are very nice when you shop at their store. They don’t hound you to death. You can gaze at all of their inventory without interuptions. Great Store.

    Report this comment

    Delores at CH WV  
  • antitheist
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 7:28pm

    I really don’t understand why anyone would want to attend a for profit school. You are paying so much more money than what you would pay at a state school or even a non profit private school for what amounts to a degree that is seen lesser to a community college degree by employers. Not to mention that the for profit school business only exists because of government grants and loans. Honestly, Hobby Lobby would’ve been better off donating to BYU or any other christian non profit private school.

    Report this comment

    antitheist  
    • Exrepublisheep
      Posted on September 21, 2012 at 8:08pm

      Try to transfer credits to another college.

      Report this comment

      Exrepublisheep  
    • woodyee
      Posted on September 21, 2012 at 8:49pm

      Benefits of attending a for-profit vs public school (off the top of my little head):

      1. If my child doesn’t attend a for-profit, no money comes out of my pocket. I’ve long-since retired and my taxes STILL pay for public indoctrination.
      2. No indoctrination. In a for-profit, I’ll know my child’s curriculum up front and I’ll have a say in it.
      3. If I don’t like the school, I can take my child to ANOTHER for-profit.
      4. Idiots are not tolerated. If you act-out, you’ll stay out.
      5. A for-profit has an interest in EDUCATING my child, so I can bring him around for next semester. Your child is TRAPPED in a public school.
      6. For-profit schools are one step UP from a voucher-program; BOTH are a step up from public schools.
      7. Chances of a strike at a for-profit are almost nil, unless the teachers from the local public school district show up to protest.

      I’m certain I can think of more; just don’t see the need to entertain this any further.

      Report this comment

      woodyee  
    • Chinishque
      Posted on September 21, 2012 at 9:14pm

      I have taught at both and I can tell you that the curriculum is far superior at the for-profit than at the state school. and the difference in bureaucracy is astounding!!! at state schools a tenured faculty member usually only has to teach a three credit class per semester and publish an article in a reviewed journal, but the workload at a for-profit is three times as high and the numbers of students in a classroom…well don’t even get me started.

      Report this comment

      Chinishque  
    • The_Cabrito_Goat
      Posted on September 21, 2012 at 11:10pm

      ANYthing is better than a public school. You’re retarding your child’s intellectual development by sending them to these failing, broken relics of a progressive age.

      Not to mention you don’t want your kids to associate with public school kids. Im one of the lucky ones.

      Report this comment

      The_Cabrito_Goat  
    • grampdad
      Posted on September 22, 2012 at 11:51am

      Pathetically the record for “non-profit” organisims (organizations) is to operate without regard to costs. We have a university here that funds a class which is taught by a full professor at the undergraduate level for ONE THAT IS 1 student.

      Report this comment

      grampdad  
  • Karron
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 7:10pm

    Bravo for Hobby Lobby. Guess where I will be shopping from now on. Glad to see they aren’t letting king zero and his slithery minions scare them into backing down from their beliefs.

    Report this comment

    Karron  
  • Basset_Hound
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 6:33pm

    Hope they don’t cave like Chick-Fil-A did.

    Report this comment

    Basset_Hound  
  • spookchaser
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 6:25pm

    Have only been to HL once, they normally don’t stock things that interest me. That said, nice clean stores and a helpful staff. Would trade with them again.
    Good to see a nice donation, wonder what the ***** Obongo will have to say about this.

    Report this comment

    spookchaser  
  • TimO_Florida
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 6:23pm

    Lesson of the Day: Conservatives freely GIVE while Progressives TAKE.

    Report this comment

    TimO_Florida  
  • Bonnieblue2A
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 5:55pm

    Wait for Obama to tell them “you didn’t build that”. Charity doesn’t require government intervention. Bravo for Hobby Lobby!

    Report this comment

    Bonnieblue2A  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on September 21, 2012 at 9:44pm

      BONNIE
      I agree
      BRAVO to HOBBY LOBBY
      I have a poster (from Mercury) that needs framing
      OFF to Hobby Lobby I go!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report this comment

      GeorgieJo  
  • facilitiesmgr
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 5:41pm

    “Good people with money do good things”.

    “Money simply magnifies the character of the person who has it”. How often do we see this with sports figures who sign multi-million dollar contracts and within a very short period of time reading about their being arrested/charged for one of a variety of crimes, from DUI, assault/battery, domestic violence, etc.? They are thugs before they get the money. The only thing that changed was the expanded public exposure.

    “Our blessing isn’t given to us for our pleasure only, but for our purpose, and that purpose always involves the service of others”.

    Report this comment

    facilitiesmgr  
  • 2smart4libs
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 5:39pm

    I use to work for hob lob back in the day before momma lobby found religion

    Report this comment

    2smart4libs  
  • girlnurse
    Posted on September 21, 2012 at 5:29pm

    More FREEDOM more wealth! God is the giver of our rights! BEST speech.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zwR_bt0xYY&feature=player_embedded

    Report this comment

    girlnurse  

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