On October 21, University president Mark Yudof officially launched
Campaign Minnesota, the largest fundraising effort in University
history.
The campaign is seeking to raise $1.3 billion in
private funds for the University endowment and for ongoing program
support.
It's an ambitious goal that's rooted in the president's vision
for the University as we enter a new century.
Brainpower and intellectual property will be our greatest resources
during the 21st century. Because economic success and growth will
depend upon our ability to develop those resources, the University's
mission—education, research, and service—will be more important
than ever before.
Campaign Minnesota emphasizes the pivotal role that scientific
and technological education and research will play in the University's
future. IT has set a fundraising goal of $160 million, the campaign's
second largest. It's centered on four key initiatives: student success,
faculty distinction, strategic investments, and ongoing program
support.
IT faces intense competition from other leading college and university
programs for top faculty and high-ability students.
The research and scholarship activities of IT faculty—which
require laboratories, specialized equipment, and support
for research assistants—cost significantly more than
the work of other University faculty.
Our students face tremendous financial pressures in the wake of
dramatic cuts in federal financial aid and sharp increases in the
cost of education. To maintain our country's economic leadership,
we must make it possible for talented students to pursue advanced
degrees in science, mathematics, and technology.
Investments in technology, the science and engineering library,
infrastructure, and equipment will keep our programs at the cutting
edge. IT also needs the resources and flexibility to seize unforeseen
opportunities, seed promising new research, and meet special needs.
IT has a long history of strong, successful relationships with
our communities and with industry. Campaign gifts will help us build
on that foundation, expanding our outreach and service to alumni,
donors, K-12 students, industry, and the larger community.
We've set very high goals for IT's campaign because the future
demands a substantial investment in people, ideas, research, and
technology. State and University resources alone can't meet IT's
financial needs. That's why your support is so critical to this
bold venture.
You can choose to support IT in a variety of ways, depending on
your interests and financial situation. You may give an unrestricted
gift or designate your gift for a specific purpose. Endowments make
it possible to support a designated program year after year.
There are many options for making a gift to IT through Campaign
Minnesota that may have financial benefits for you as well. The
IT Development Office can provide you with more information about
Campaign Minnesota and how you can support IT programs. We invite
you to join us as we work together to shape the University and our
communities.
