The Union was transformed Saturday night into an elegant and whimsical wonderland, welcoming back alumni and friends to kick-off a fundraising campaign gala called “Building Dreams.”

In 2010 the University will celebrate its 100 year anniversary. By that time the campaign organizers hope to raise $120 million in private contributions.

Named the Centennial Campaign, the nationwide fundraiser will support scholarships, endowed chair positions, capital movements and academic program enhancements.

“For nearly a century, Bowling Green has been a place where students have learned how to turn their dreams into a reality,” BGSU President Sidney Ribeau said. “As we approach the 100th anniversary of the University’s founding, private support is critical to ensure the University can continue to meet its commitment to educational excellence and creativity.”

There will be a series of regional events organized by the campaign steering committee in hopes to pull in donations from Bowling Green grads all over the nation, co-chair Kermit F. Stroh said.

Saturday night the campaign co-chairs announced that nearly $75 million had already been committed toward the $120 million goal.

The campaign will help support the Dallas-Hamilton Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, the Center for Photochemical Sciences, the Sebo Athletic Center, the Wolfe Center for the Arts and WBGU-PBS, the University’s public television station.

Money raised will also help expand the merit-based Alumni Laureate Scholars program. This year five students were awarded the full tuition scholarship that includes a $1,000 book award.

Two students spoke at the Building Dreams Gala.

Alex Wright, 2004-05 Undergraduate Student Government President thanked the alumni in the audience for their continued commitment to students.

Jamie Hoover, one of this years Alumni Laureate Scholars, thanked those in the audience for their donations, which helped her get to college.

Ribeau encouraged making the University a unique learning institution with programs like BGeXperience and supporting the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

“If any university is worth the designation of a great university it is because of its intellectual capital,” Ribeau said. “But that alone is not enough — ideas, creativity and research is not enough. A university should be engaged in constructive ways in its community.”

Those in attendance were entertained by students in the College of Musical Arts and Department of Theatre and Film.

David Fleitz, a 1976 graduate with a degree in Math Education, was impressed with the event.

“I think it tells the students they can build their dreams here,” Fleitz said. “Unfortunately we’re all going to have to pick up the slack for what the state is not doing.”