James B Milliken
President, University of Nebraska
Dear Colleagues,
This morning, the University of Nebraska Foundation announced a major fund-raising campaign: a campaign to raise $1.2 billion to provide student scholarships, support our faculty, strengthen academic programs and build new facilities at the University of Nebraska. This ambitious campaign has been in the “quiet phase” since 2005. We are already more than halfway to our goal, having raised some $642 million, including more than $128 million in 2008-09, the second best year in our history. That is a significant accomplishment – especially given the current economic climate – that speaks volumes about the level of support that donors have for the University. They believe, as I do, that we have the leadership, momentum and opportunity to transform the university, and the potential to be a leader in key areas that are important both in Nebraska and across the globe.
Some people have questioned whether this is the right time for a major fund-raising campaign. In fact, I believe that there is no better time to invest in an institution that can help the state of Nebraska grow stronger economically and – through our teaching, research and outreach – can improve the quality of life for people throughout the world. The campaign is aptly named: Unlimited Possibilities. We know what a difference private support has made at the University of Nebraska, and that support is more important today than ever. Private funding for a public university is, of course, no substitute for the fundamental support of the state, but it can leverage the state’s investment to achieve goals not otherwise possible.
The campaign will focus on key priorities that leverage our strengths to address critical issues: access to an affordable, high quality education for all Nebraskans; advances in agriculture and life sciences; early childhood development; water for food for a growing global population; research to advance the prevention and treatment of cancer; the intersection of information technology and business; architectural engineering and construction; and, new opportunities for global engagement for our students and faculty. In addition, each campus has identified specific campus programs and priorities that are important in fulfilling its mission.
We have the commitment of an outstanding volunteer campaign committee to lead this effort – individuals whose support will help ensure our success. In addition to an exceptional campaign executive committee providing guidance to the overall campaign, campus efforts are being led by dedicated alumni including John Gottschalk at UNL, Jim Young at UNO, Mike and Gail Yanney at UNMC and Larry Hall and Ron Williams at UNK. I am grateful for their guidance and support.
This is the largest campaign in our history, and we have learned from previous efforts what a transformational effect private support can have. I look forward to providing you with additional information and updates on our success as we move forward toward the campaign’s anticipated conclusion in 2014. You can read more about the campaign at a new web site,www.campaignfornebraska.org. I am confident that we will be successful, and that our success will translate into new opportunities for all Nebraskans and new contributions to the global environment.
Sincerely,
James B Milliken
President, University of Nebraska
