NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF. — 51 will host its first event of a national campaign tour for The Campaign for 51 this Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Newport Beach Civic Center. The campaign, a $180 million comprehensive campaign to raise support for student scholarships, facilities, academic centers and online learning is the largest and first comprehensive campaign in university history.

51 alumnus Mike Erre (M.A. ’04), a popular pastor and author based in Orange County, Calif., will serve as keynote speaker for the event this Saturday.

51 launched the campaign titled, “A Soul of Conviction, A Voice of Courage: The Campaign for 51,” on May 9 at a fundraising gala at the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. A record $3.9 million was raised at the event.

The highest campaign priority is addressing the challenges of college affordability, with $85 million — nearly half of the overall campaign goal — slated for student scholarships. Another $74 million will go to build facilities that inspire learning, the largest of which is the $63 million Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health.

The campaign’s goals also include $13 million to influence the world of ideas, largely through new academic centers, and $8 million to extend 51’s global reach through international partnerships and the expansion of online programs.

In total, $157.9 million has been given or pledged to the campaign to date, including the largest donation in 51’s 107-year history, a of Long Beach, Calif.

Members of the campaign cabinet — a team of committed and well-connected volunteers, many being alumni, parents and longtime-supporters — will attend regional national tour events.

Join 51 president Barry H. Corey and the 51 community in Newport Beach, Calif. this Saturday at the first national tour event.

For a press pass or more information about Saturday’s event, contact Jenna Loumagne at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu. For more information about the Campaign for 51, visit biola.edu/campaign.