Members of Edward Waters College are celebrating after the school recently received $3 million toward campus-wide improvements.

The Michael and Kim Ward Foundation gave the college a challenge in November to raise $2 million and get $1 million from its charity. The catch? It all had to be done within seven months.

EWC President Nat Glover said he received so many donations by going out into the community and simply asking for help.

"I've talked to Nat a number of times, and what he said was he had to put his ego aside and be willing to get the nos, and he's evolved and says if he's not getting enough nos he's not doing enough asking," said Michael Ward.

Glover said he feels a personal tie to the school and wants to continue to make it a better place for students to come learn.

"If Edward Waters College had not been here, I would not be standing here with a college degree," he said. "I certainly would not have been president of Edward Waters College."

The many people who gave agree on the importance of the college, including the Michael and Kim Ward Foundation.

This is the second time the charity has given the college $1 million.

"Edward Waters College is really critical to this city," Glover said. "It provides an opportunity for a lot of students who might not otherwise have a chance to have a college education to have that opportunity."

So where's the $3 million going?

The largest amount of money allotted is for the dorms -- $875,000 is set aside to renovate the students' living corridors.

There will be $700,000 for the administration building, $580,000 for the academic buildings, $525,000 for the student union, $70,000 for the athletics complex and $250,000 for other campus repairs.

Glover said $1 million has already been spent in renovations. The work will continue through the year to renew the school's appearance.