University System of Maryland's Federated Campaign Passes $1 Billion Fundraising Milestone
ADELPHI, Md. (September 18, 2008) - Just three years into the seven-year fundraising
initiative, the University System of Maryland (USM) federated campaign has
raised $1.03 billion as of July 31, 2008. The campaign--which includes all of the system's 11
universities and two research institutions--has a goal of raising $1.7 billion
in private donations by June 30, 2012.
"This campaign has reached
many milestones--and not just in terms of historic levels of support for our
institutions," said USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan. "Our universities have
been extraordinarily successful in creating a culture of philanthropy and
strengthening their fundraising infrastructures. The ongoing value of this for Maryland's public universities cannot be overstated."
"For every one dollar
invested in fundraising, USM institutions generate seven dollars in private
support," said Leonard Raley, USM's vice chancellor for advancement. "Across
the system, university advancement offices are breaking new ground and
encouraging private giving to support students, attract renowned faculty, and
build world-class facilities. This philanthropy directly benefits the state by
strengthening Maryland's public educational and research institutions that
fuel innovation, drive our state's knowledge economy, and prepare our citizens
for success in the workforce."
USM has received more than 265,000
gifts during the campaign's first three years. Many gifts have been for $100 or
less. In addition, the campaign has raised more than 120 gifts of $1 million or
more.
"This is a campaign for all Marylanders, touching
everyone in the state directly or indirectly," said Raley.
In addition to state general
funds that help to support the annual operating budgets of USM institutions, private
philanthropy is vital to the success of Maryland's public universities. More than one-third of monies
raised through the federated campaign will be dedicated to need- and
merit-based scholarships that provide access to higher education for Maryland's talented students and for those who might not otherwise
be able to afford college.
Funds raised by the federated
campaign are also being used to launch new academic programs in fields such as
business, pharmacy, biotech, elder care, and other areas critical to Maryland's
economic and workforce development; to attract and retain talented faculty and
researchers that bring grant money and contracts to USM institutions; and to
develop research laboratories and academic centers that advance knowledge, provide community outreach
services, and spawn entrepreneurship and new business ventures that maintain
the state's competitive edge.
For more information on
supporting USM's federated campaign, visit the USM Office of Advancement.
Contact: John Buettner
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: jbuettner@usmd.edu
