Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

William & Mary donation campaign raises $518M
By Joshua Barr
The Flat Hat (College of William & Mary)
08/09/2007

(U-WIRE) WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — The largest fund-raising initiative in College of William & Mary history officially closed June 30 with $518 million, although it surpassed its $500 million goal June 8. Implemented in 2003 by former President Tim Sullivan, the campaign includes donations from more than 60,400 College alumni, parents and friends.

"These are remarkable figures," College President Gene Nichol said June 24 in a College press release. "But numbers alone cannot adequately express the impact this campaign has had, and will continue to have, in the life of the College."

The fund benefits scholarships, professorships, research, construction projects and many other initiatives.

"The campaign is an investment in the present and future of this great institution — it is an investment in our people, programs and places," Sean Pieri, vice president for University Development, said.

The College's total endowment grew by more than $109 million during the course of the campaign.

Nichol exalts the commitment of Sullivan as well as the numerous students, faculty and alumni who contributed. "Again and again they answer the College's call to invest in our exceptional students and faculty — who continue, always, to press the boundaries of academic excellence."

Of the money raised, $112 million supports academic research and student scholarships, $45 million supports faculty and $61 million supports construction and maintenance. Facilities that have already benefited from campaign funds include Alan B. Miller Hall, the Integrated Science Center and the Lake Matoaka Amphitheater.

The Campaign raised $81 million in unrestricted funds, which enable the College to address immediate needs. For Nichol, these flexible funds "fuel the entire College, allowing us to address opportunities when and where we find them."

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