News briefs & announcements

50 donors give $1 million to campaign

The Transforming Bright Minds campaign has reached one of its top goals of attracting 50 donors of $1 million or more—nearly a year and half ahead of schedule.

During September and October, four major gifts to the campaign increased the number of donors at the $1 million or more level from 46 to 50, almost three times the number of million-dollar or more donors to the University’s last capital campaign, which concluded in 1993.

The latest million-dollar donors have supported a variety of programs, including scholarships, faculty research, academic programs, a new faculty chair, the Westhampton Center, Robins School of Business addition, School of Law addition and the proposed campus stadium.

To date, the Transforming Bright Minds campaign has raised more than $190 million from more than 27,000 individual donors. The campaign recently recorded its 75,000th gift, which came from a retired faculty member who is also an alumnus. The goal is to raise $200 million by July 30, 2008.

“University of Richmond is truly fortunate to have so many donors at all levels supporting this campaign,” said David C. Johnson, vice president for advancement. “The fact that the campaign already has attracted 50 donors at the million-dollar or more level demonstrates that these individuals, foundations and corporations deeply share the university’s vision for excellence and are willing to make major investments in Richmond’s future.”

Quatrefoil Society, donor wall to recognize benefactors

The University of Richmond Board of Trustees has approved a plan to publicly and permanently recognize the University’s most generous benefactors. The Quatrefoil Society will honor those many alumni and friends who have helped to shape the character and direction of the University since its founding in 1830.

Named for the floret shape featured in virtually every building and public space across the Richmond campus, The Quatrefoil Society will recognize its inaugural honorees at a special dinner next May. Many of the benefactors to be honored have made leadership gifts to the University’s Transforming Bright Minds Campaign. The campaign has secured more than $190 million in gifts and commitments from more than 27,000 individual donors. Fifty donors have given $1 million or more.

The Board of Trustees authorized the use of the lower plaza of the new University Forum to honor publicly those living and deceased alumni and friends whose gifts have had a formative impact on the University. The low granite wall facing Westhampton Lake will be inscribed with the names and will serve as a permanent expression of appreciation.

The University Forum and Wilton Way were dedicated last March and now serve as the central pedestrian thoroughfare on the Richmond campus. Thousands of students, alumni, faculty members, staff members and countless visitors traverse the Forum each day.

United Way goal attained

The University exceeded its $60,000 United Way goal for 2006. According to co-chairs Susie Reid and Lucretia McCulley, $60,070.21 was collected for the annual campaign.

Robins School admitted to international organization

The Robins School of Business has been admitted to membership in the Latin American Council of Management Schools (CLADEA).

The international organization was created some 40 years ago to facilitate the study and teaching of business and develop management practices in Latin America.

Richmond joins only 10 other United States colleges and universities as members. In all, more than 100 universities and businesses worldwide belong to CLADEA.

The Robins School was admitted at the highest tier of membership, according to CLADEA.

Music Library podcasts

Visit oncampus.richmond.edu/ academics/musiclibrary to listen and/or subscribe to Parsons Podcasts, your audio guide to the collections of Parsons Music Library. Episode 1 features interviews with retired music librarian Bonny Hall and retired music professor Homer Rudolf, who discuss the history of Parsons Music Library. Future episodes will introduce new CDs in the library’s collection, as well as other interesting recordings.