DRIVING THE CITY FORWARD: HPU President Nido Qubein Raises $100 Million for Community Revitalization.

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There's a new, miniature purple train that whisks families along the waterfront at High Point City Lake Park, a few miles from the High Point University campus.

On warm summer days, kids hop into the carts and squeal with joy as it begins to chug forward.

Named the High Point Express, this little locomotive was a big gift from HPU to its community.

When Dr. Nido Qubein, HPU president, learned that the previous 25-year-old train was in disrepair, he wanted to help. So HPU committed $188,500 to restore the city's time-honored tradition.

"City Lake Park has provided a safe place for families to fellowship for generations," Qubein said. "High Point University is proud to provide the gift of time spent together and the opportunity to create lasting memories."

Thanks to the gift, a new train is carrying the tradition forward.

Beyond its shiny purple paint and silver wheels, though, is something bigger.

Since Qubein became university president in 2005, campus has transformed by enhancing academic programming, quadrupling undergraduate enrollment and launching new master's and doctoral degree programs.

HPU's growth has sparked community growth. More than 100,000 visitors are coming to High Point each year to visit HPU, and the university family has contributed more than 1 million hours of service in the last decade.

Now there are major efforts underway to develop a fully vibrant, revitalized downtown district in the city of High Point.

Qubein committed to leading projects in those efforts, too, and HPU faculty and students are lending their creativity, expertise and brain trust.

Together, it paints the bigger picture that HPU really is a purple engine--one that's driving continuous growth in the city of High Point.

Qubein Secures Private Investments

The city's historic roots trace back to furniture and hosiery. Both energized the heart of High Point when Qubein moved here. Today, the spring and fall High Point Market home furnishings trade shows still bring 75,000 guests to High Point twice a year and provide a wealth of opportunity for HPU students.

Changes in the industry have also presented an opportunity, however--reimagine downtown for the modern era.

Qubein has. He proved that during a May 2017 community meeting filled with city leaders.

"THE TIME IS NOW. IT'S UP TO US."

--Dr. Nido Qubein HPU President

Forward High Point, an economic development group, had unanimously requested Qubein to lend his experience for a downtown project that...

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