For many people, fall is the season
of renewal, bringing with it a new surge of energy and
activity. That's especially true here at the University,
where thousands of newcomers—students, faculty,
and staff—arrive on campus each September. There's
a palpable feeling of anticipation and genuine enthusiasm
everywhere you go.
The start of fall semester also means that Homecoming is just around
the corner. It's a time for reflection and renewal, as we welcome
our alumni to campus and celebrate the University's past, present,
and future.
Having recently joined IT as the college's director of development,
I'm experiencing all the excitement that a new job brings as well
as the wonderful feeling that I've come back home.
Minnesota and the University have played an important role in my
professional career. I've worked as a development officer for the
University's College of Veterinary Medicine on the St. Paul campus,
and my development experience also includes stints with Minnesota
State University in Mankato and Children's Hospital in St. Paul.
I'm very happy to be back at the University, especially as leader
of the team responsible for fund-raising on behalf of IT. Our alumni
are justifiably proud of their alma mater: the college enjoys a
strong reputation for the high quality of its education and research.
IT alumni have distinguished themselves by their accomplishments,
and they are grateful for IT's contribution to their success.
Returning to the University during Campaign Minnesota is both exciting
and challenging. Of the campaign's total fund-raising goal of $1.3
billion, IT is aiming to raise $160 million over six years. We have
a little less than three years remaining until the campaign ends,
with about $90 million of our goal left to raise. Our campaign steering
committee is actively working with the development team to secure
gifts for IT's campaign priorities: attracting students of promise
and helping them succeed; recruiting, retaining, and developing
top faculty; responding to emerging opportunities; and ongoing program
support. We're building long-term, permanent funding to ensure that
the college maintains its margin of excellence.
One of the most unique opportunities to arise during Campaign Minnesota
is the 21st Century Graduate Fellowship Endowment. The new fund
is a result of the University's patent and licensing settlement
with Glaxo Wellcome PLC, a pharmaceutical company. The fund will
match eligible gifts that support graduate fellowships, a key campaign
priority. For example, if a donor makes an eligible gift of $50,000
to endow a fellowship, the University will match the income generated
by the endowed fund.
Fellowships help IT attract the best and brightest graduate students,
whose creativity and hard work enhance the quality and quantity
of IT research. More importantly, their future contributions will
be essential to our country's success in the global, high-tech economy.
However, competition for top graduate students is intense, and IT
must strengthen the amount of support it can offer the most promising
students. Your gift of an endowed fellowship is an investment in
intellectual capital that will pay dividends well into the future.
The 21st Century Graduate Fellowship Endowment offers you a great
chance to double the impact of your investment. The IT development
office can provide you with more information about Campaign Minnesota
and this exceptional matching opportunity.
Fall in Minnesota is always special, but this year it seems especially
invigorating. We're excited about the future and the vital role
that IT plays in advancing science and technology. I invite you
to join us—faculty, students, alumni, and staff—as a partner in
this crucial venture.
