University of Akron President Luis M. Proenza announced April 21 that the University’s Aspire. Attain. Advance. comprehensive campaign surpassed the $500 million goal announced publicly in 2007. Proenza said that the unprecedented campaign will continue, with challenging economic times making it even more important to enhance donor opportunities to help UA serve its students and community well.
UA's Aspire. Attain. Advance. comprehensive campaign has raised $606 million to date. Learn about the campaign and its beneficiaries. Pledge to the campaign.
Proenza told about 250 major donors at an event at the University’s E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall that, to-date, the University has raised more than $606 million during its comprehensive campaign — well over the $500 million original goal and far ahead of the anticipated 2012 goal date. The success of the current campaign places it among the top campaigns ever for a public university in Ohio.
“Today more than ever, there is a tremendous opportunity to help secure the future for The University of Akron, our students and our region,” he said. “The ongoing support of our friends and alumni provides hope for our students and for our community. We are most grateful.”
Multiple benefits
Campaign donations help the University accomplish major initiatives including increasing student scholarship opportunities, supporting faculty research and scholarly activities, and transforming the campus physical environment with new facilities, additions and renovations.
“While much more needs to be accomplished, the University is truly a different place today,” said John LaGuardia, UA’s vice president of public affairs and development. “From our outstanding academic and athletic programs to the transformed campus environment — the New Landscape for Learning — the advancement of the University is returning great dividends to our students and the community as well.”
“We owe a great deal of thanks to the individuals and organizations that have supported the University so generously and continue to help us achieve our goals,” LaGuardia said.
LaGuardia also praised the leadership of the UA campaign chairs — Gary and Karen Taylor, and Phil and Peggy Lloyd — in the success of the campaign effort.
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