HIGH POINT – High Point University has received two major gifts that will support academic programming and facilities, experiential learning opportunities and a growing student body at the university.

With these recent gifts, the university has now surpassed $300 million in gifts under the tenure of Dr. Nido Qubein, university president.

“The advocacy of our alumni, parents and friends is our single greatest reward,” says Qubein. “We are grateful for these gifts, which will continue to support our ongoing mission to prepare students for the world as it is going to be.”

The university has received generous gifts from the following:

David and Christine Cottrell, parents of a High Point University graduate, have now contributed $5.5 million with their most recent commitment of $1.5 million to support an outdoor amphitheater.

The amphitheater seats 1,000 people and hosts several annual events, including major community events such as the Arbor Day Celebration, the High Point Arts Council Concert and performances by the North Carolina Brass Band.

It’s located behind Cottrell Hall, which the family supported with a $4 million lead gift when the facility opened in 2015. Cottrell Hall cost $26 million and was funded entirely by gifts from parents of current students from eight different states. Cottrell Hall houses all of the university’s experiential learning components under one roof, including Dwyer Career and Professional Development, Flanagan Center for Student Success, Wehrle Internship Resources, Undergraduate Research and Creative Works, the Freshman Success Program, the Harris Sales Education Center, the Belk Entrepreneurship Center and more.

The Cottrells are from Richmond, Va., where they founded RetailData in 1988 as a “true garage startup.” Today, the company thrives as the standard of the data collection industry.

“The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well on the HPU campus,” says David Cottrell. “We’re inspired to invest in an institution that prepares its students to thrive in a world of constant change.”

High Point University is receiving a generous $1 million gift from BNC Bank to support Congdon Hall, which will house the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy and the Congdon School of Health Sciences.

BNC is headquartered in High Point and was founded in 1991 by a group of dedicated local leaders. Today, BNC boasts $7.5 billion in assets and is one of the most profitable and fastest-growing banks in the Southeast with branches in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Rick Callicutt, a 1980 High Point University graduate and High Point native, is the president and CEO of both BNC and its parent company, BNC Bancorp. He received his business administration degree from the school and began his banking career four days after he graduated.

“HPU encourages and focuses the curriculum on entrepreneurship and accountability: the qualities most needed to compete as a company and as an individual in today’s global economy,” he says. “The resources on campus, access to world class professionals, and the exemplary leadership have propelled HPU to ‘Best in Class.’”

BNC’s gift supports a 370-seat tiered auditorium that will be located in the $120 million Congdon Hall, scheduled to open in late spring.