Faculty, staff vital to success of University’s fund-raising campaign

On a day that offered guests everything from “intellectual fireworks” to the sight of Herky and an operatic soloist sharing the Hancher stage, the University publicly launched its $850 million fund-raising effort, Good. Better. Best. Iowa: The Campaign to Advance Our Great University.

Held at the midpoint of the seven-year campaign (1999-2005), the June 8 public kickoff was cause for celebration, as UI Foundation President Michael New announced that $526 million already had been raised. According to the Foundation, that amount has now climbed to approximately $540 million.

Campaign goals fall into five categories: increased support for students ($142 million), faculty and staff ($189 million), new and renovated facilities ($138 million), research and new programming ($201 million), and annual and unrestricted support ($180 million). For details, visit the web site at www.GoodBetterBestIowa.org.

The June 8 events began with a lively panel discussion of “The Power of Perception” at Macbride Auditorium. The panel, moderated by KSUI Program Director Joan Kjaer, featured seven prominent UI faculty members.

The official campaign announcement, billed as “a memorable, musical, multi-media journey through the UI’s past, present, and future,” was held at Hancher Auditorium, and included dozens of students, faculty, and staff as planners, performers, and speakers. Associate Professor Venise Berry of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and former head football coach Hayden Fry were among those addressing the crowd and many other UI representatives were featured in video segments.

Although the UI will be counting on alumni and other contributors to help the campaign reach its goals, New said, gifts from faculty and staff are critically important in demonstrating campus support for the campaign’s priorities.

An official Campus Campaign Kickoff is scheduled for 4-6 p.m., Oct. 9 at the Iowa Memorial Union. All UI faculty and staff members will receive invitations. Watch next month’s fyi for additional information about the event, which will include entertainment, refreshments, a brief program, and door prizes.

(Videotapes of the “Power of Perception” panel and the Hancher campaign event are available; contact Diane Van Hoozer at (33)5-3305.)

Article by University of Iowa Foundation