University of Richmond Launches $200 Million Transforming Bright Minds Campaign
March 5, 2004
The University of Richmond publicly launched a $200 million capital campaign today to secure the necessary funding to achieve a place of leadership and distinction as one of the nation's top universities.
The Transforming Bright Minds campaign, the largest in the university's history, was originally planned with a goal of $175 million. Overwhelming success during the "quiet" phase of the campaign, however, resulted in Richmond receiving more than $129 million from approximately 18,500 donors prior to the public launch. As a result, campaign leaders decided to raise the goal to $200 million with a scheduled completion date of 2008.
"This campaign will enable Richmond to soar in the highly competitive world of great universities as we continue to recruit top student and faculty talent as well as develop distinctive academic programs of enduring value," said President William E. Cooper.
The goals of the campaign were developed from the university's strategic plan and address specific campus-wide needs in three key areas: people, programs and resources. The campaign is organized around 10 initiatives, including Arts, Athletics, Boatwright Memorial Library, Robins School of Business, Jepson School of Leadership Studies, Living and Learning, School of Continuing Studies, School of Law, Scientific Discovery and Social Sciences.
Led by a campaign cabinet comprised of five University trustees--Robert Burrus Jr., Robert Jepson Jr., Robert Ukrop, George Wellde Jr. and Allison Weinstein--the campaign will significantly enhance Richmond's ability to provide a transformative educational experience for its students.
"The University of Richmond is nationally recognized for graduating students prepared for leadership in business, science, government, education and the arts and making consequential impacts on society. This campaign will fund further institutional enhancements to position Richmond as one of the nation's preeminent private universities," said Jepson.
People-centered initiatives include recruiting and retaining faculty members of the highest caliber and enrolling the best students from around the world. Already, early contributions to the campaign have funded three endowed faculty chairs.
Program initiatives include establishing centers for scientific discovery, international business, leadership studies and civic engagement, as well as increased support of the undergraduate research program, Richmond Quest, the business school's professional development program, library technology, international education and athletics, plus greater alumni participation in the Annual Fund.
The opening last fall of Weinstein Hall and the ongoing construction at Gottwald Science Center are visible indications of the significant impact the campaign is already having on campus facilities. Other resources slated for construction, expansion or renovation include Boatwright Memorial Library, Robins School of Business, athletics facilities, a pedestrian plaza-campus forum and a fitness-wellness center.
"When you put bright students, dedicated professors, the latest technology and inspiring facilities together on one campus, you get the kind of place where the best people want to be. Richmond can be that kind of place," said Ukrop.
Although Richmond's $1 billion endowment is significant, it lags behind many other universities that Richmond competes against for top students and faculty. In addition, much of the endowment is earmarked for specific purposes. The campaign, in conjunction with other revenue sources, including tuition, will fund many of the initiatives outlined in the strategic plan but not supported by the endowment.