After receiving more than $1 million in gifts, HLGU plans to open for fall 2022 semester

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Just eight weeks since fiscal exigency measures were enacted at Hannibal-LaGrange University, the school announced Thursday in a press release that it has received more than $1 million in gifts from local churches and people, including a record $227,815 from HLGU’s 2022 Day of Giving, and that it will be open for the fall 2022 semester.

“Robust giving, combined with reduced payroll achieved, the suspension of retirement benefits, significant administrative cuts and a renewed commitment to God-honoring stewardship means we will be open this fall, and the mission of Hannibal-LaGrange University will endure,” HLGU transitional president Rodney A. Harrison said in the press release. “To God be the glory!” 

The financial forecast for the university on March 3 showed HLGU was 27 days away from exhausting its $1 million line of credit while having outstanding bills of nearly $900,000. Closing the university was a consideration during this time. To open in the fall, HLGU needed $3.2 million. 

HLGU since has:

• Received donations and pledges totaling $1.15 million.
• Negotiated the sale of the Pulliam Street Apartments, and $275,000 will be applied toward principal and interest
• Renegotiated with vendors, resulting in $416,000 in gifts or write-offs toward accounts payable
• Received a pre-payment of the Missouri Baptist Convention Cooperative funds for $180,000

All of these factored together add up to a total cost-saving of $2.01 million for the university. HLGU still plans to raise another $1 million in the next 90 days.

“In the last two months, God has used people to bless Hannibal-LaGrange University,” said Ray Carty, vice president for institutional advancement. “People are responding to the work God has yet to do at HLGU. We’re still looking for support through August, but we are encouraged that people see God’s work being done at Hannibal-LaGrange.”