Anchor Intro: Kent State has always depended on student scholarships, alumni services, and student and university support. But who is responsible for putting these things together and where do they operate from? TV2 Reporter Chip Reid has more.

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Since November of last year, the intersection of Lincoln and Summit Streets have seen this field of dirt turn into a three story frame. By this December, Kent State’s building for institutional advancement will be complete.

“It’s one of the major projects because the budget is 12 million dollars or so, so it’s a significant investment,” said Michael Bruder, the executive director of the Office of the University Architect.

The institutional advancement department, which is KSU’s office for all fundraisers, currently operates out of three places not well known to most students. They are in the Administrative services Building, the Williamson Alumni Center, and out of an office on Fraternity Circle. Upon the building’ completion, the entire staff will operate under one roof.

“(When asked about what he is most excited about) having the majority of advancement, alumni, and foundation staff under one roof for the first time, thus enhancing collaborations and communications,” said Stephen Sokany, the department’s interim vice president.

The location of the building is also very favorable to the department because it sits in between downtown and the university. Anyone who passes by will read “institutional advancement”, a department that many have likely never heard of.

The Instutional Advancement Building is one of the many projects in full swing here at the ever-expanding Kent State University.