Campaign officially ends

The University's Transforming Bright Minds campaign has officially ended, exceeding its two primary goals: to raise at least $200 million and to do it by June 30, 2008. It was the largest fundraising effort in Richmond's history.

When the books were closed on the 2007 fiscal year, the campaign had raised $212,387,612 from more than 29,600 donors. More than 86,000 gifts were received during the campaign, which closed a year early, said Molly Bittner, assistant vice president for advancement.

Fundraising for key initiatives will continue. They include expansions of the business and law schools and Westhampton Center, construction of a new on-campus stadium, additional student scholarships and endowed professorships.

One-year totals also were impressive, Bittner said. More than 13,000 donors contributed $27,396,723 to the University during 2006-07.

Major campus projects made possible as a result of the campaign include Weinstein Hall, which houses social sciences programs; Gottwald Center for the Sciences; University Forum, the new campus plaza; Wilton Way, a brick pathway connecting the arts, sciences, spiritual life and student life buildings; Heilman Center expansion and renovation; and the Weinstein Center for Recreation and Wellness. In addition, the campaign raised more than $15 million of the more than $20 million committed for the planned construction of an on-campus stadium.