Marshall University Foundation
Marshall University Foundation, Inc.
One John Marshall Dr.
Huntington, WV 25755
304-696-6264
1-866-308-1346
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After 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications, (304) 696-7153
Marshall announces plans to raise $100 million by 2005
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University kicked off the public phase of its Campaign for National Prominence Saturday by announcing its most ambitious fund-raising goal ever -- $100 million in private donations by Dec. 31, 2005.
Marshall President Dan Angel and Tim Haymaker, an MU graduate and national chairman of the Campaign, revealed Campaign goals and progress Saturday evening during a kickoff event attended by about 500 people at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.
Angel, whose theme for Marshall since his arrival as President in January 2000 has been the pursuit of national prominence, said establishing the lofty fund-raising goal is something the university must do.
“Most institutions of higher education tend to judge themselves by what they’ve done,” Angel said. “But our standard at Marshall University can, should and must be somewhat higher. We aspire to judge ourselves by what we’re capable of doing! Why not national prominence for Marshall University?”
Haymaker, a Lexington, Ky., resident, native of Pineville, W.Va., and Marshall graduate, vowed that MU will meet and even exceed the $100 million target.
“We’re going to accomplish our goals,” Haymaker said. “Failure is not an option. It won’t be easy, and there will be peaks and valleys. But we have something really special here. We’re going to build Marshall University into a nationally renowned institution. We have to have the long-term vision to be nationally prominent.”
Since the start of the silent phase of the Campaign in July 1999, about $46 million has been received or pledged, Haymaker said. Raising the rest of the money “will be the tough part,” he said.
“The challenges are outstanding,” Haymaker said. “But, we will reach our goals, we have to. It’s all about education.”
Saturday night’s event included a concert by international recording artists The Lettermen and was preceded by a cocktail buffet in the Playhouse lobby.
Keith Spears, co-director of the Campaign, along with Carolyn Hunter and Lance West, said the goal of $100 million in five years is unprecedented for Marshall. In the 1980s, MU received $11 million in private gifts, and in the 1990s, private giving totaled $33 million.
“This Campaign can be the defining milestone for Marshall University’s future,” Spears said. “Not only is it an exciting challenge, but it’s a challenge that’s critical for the students who are here today and those who will be here for generations to come.”
Marshall has identified five particular areas of need for the Campaign. They include:
- Student support ($20 million), including undergraduate scholarships, Yeager Scholars, John Marshall and Erma Byrd Scholars, graduate and medical scholarships and multicultural scholarships.
- Faculty support ($20 million), including research, development, distinguished professors and chairs and lectureships.
- Program support ($10 million), including the Autism Training Center, the Harless Center for Rural Education, the H.E.L.P. Program, the Child Development Academy, the Year of the Book Endowment and the Financial Trading Research Center.
- Facilities ($40 million), including the Biotechnology Science Center, the Erickson Alumni Center, the Visual Arts Center, “Smart” classrooms and athletic facilities.
- Enhanced student experience ($10 million), including athletics, student activities, music and the arts, and the Health and Wellness Center.
Saturday’s announcement was the highlight of a weekend of Campaign kickoff activities, including the unveiling of the Pathway of Prominence on campus, and establishment of the President’s Circle. The Pathway honors those who have given $1 million or more to Marshall, while the Circle honors those who have given $100,000 or more since July 1999.
All gifts to Marshall will be counted towards the overall Campaign goal. Gifts should be made to the Marshall University Foundation, the Big Green Foundation or the Marshall University Graduate College Foundation.
Checks should be made payable to The Marshall University Foundation, The Big Green Foundation or The Marshall University Graduate College Foundation, depending on the intent of the gift. They may be mailed to Development Office, Marshall University, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755.
Gifts also can be made online via the Internet by visiting the campaign Web site at www.mucampaign.org. Other gifts, such as securities, real and/or personal property, life insurance and trusts and annuities, will be accepted. For more information on the different methods of giving to the Campaign, persons may contact the MU Development Office at (304) 696-6214, or visit the Campaign Web site.