Campaign News

May 19 , 2006

Capital Campaign Update

Momentum for Dream. Inspire. Achieve. The Campaign for Trinity University continues to build as gifts and pledges to the capital campaign now total more than $110.4 million. A few large gifts from alumni and friends account for much of the new total as Trinity reaches for the Campaign’s $200-million dollar goal. Regional campaign events are also helping to motivate alumni, parents, and friends to consider making special gifts to the campaign while also continuing to make gifts to the annual fund.

To share in the remarkable success and enthusiasm the Campaign is generating, a series of events was launched that take the Campaign to various regions around the country. So far events have been held in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, and St. Louis. These events provide visibility for the University and raise awareness of the campaign in cities where large numbers of alumni and parents reside. “At campaign events, we have found that alumni and parents are very enthusiastic about Trinity’s future and are willing to invest in it,” said Marc Raney, vice president for university advancement. Campaign events are also planned for Atlanta and Denver this summer and in Houston this fall.

Faculty and staff are also demonstrating a strong response to the campaign’s message. Before the campaign was publicly launched, the Faculty Senate embraced the campaign and devised a plan to encourage high faculty participation. To date, approximately 65 percent of the faculty has made a gift or pledge toward the campaign. As an added incentive, a Circle of 30 anonymous faculty has committed to match the first $100 of all faculty gifts to the Campaign. “We want a high level of participation to send a strong, clear message to all potential donors of the faculty’s commitment to Trinity and to its future,” said Bill McCaughrin, chair of the Faculty Senate.

Trinity staff members are also showing their University pride as nearly a quarter of the staff has made campaign gifts. “This sends an important message that those who work here care enough to also make a financial gift to benefit nearly every aspect of the University,” added Raney.

Launched on September 22, 2005, Dream. Inspire. Achieve. The Campaign for Trinity University is the most important and challenging advancement initiative in Trinity’s 137 year history. A major focus of the Campaign is building endowment for scholarships and financial aid so Trinity can continue to recruit the best and brightest students, regardless of their financial circumstances. In addition, the campaign will support innovative new academic programs, create additional faculty positions, and provide current faculty support including opportunities for research and scholarship. Campaign gifts will also finance enhancements to Trinity’s technology infrastructure, laboratories, athletic and recreation programs and facilities, and residence halls.