Over 11,000 employees give $62 million to the 'U'

What: Faculty and staff campaign gifts top $62 million
When: Tuesday, April 22
Contact: Martha Douglas, University of Minnesota Foundation, (612) 626-9712
Amy Phenix, University News Service, (612) 625-8510

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL-- More than 11,000 University of Minnesota current and retired faculty and staff who have contributed a total of $62 million to Campaign Minnesota will be recognized Tuesday, April 22, in special events on all campuses.

"The depth of support for the university among its employees demonstrates the extraordinary confidence they have in this great institution," said university President Robert Bruininks. "They come to work each day not merely as employees, but as members of a community dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving as a partner for the public good."

According to Jerry Fischer, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation, the level of giving by university faculty and staff is virtually unmatched among universities nationally. "Talking to our colleagues in the Big Ten and across the country, it appears that University of Minnesota faculty and staff have contributed to their school’s campaign at some of the highest levels nationally," he said.

Among current regular and adjunct employees, 7,700, or about 30 percent, have made gifts to the campaign, which began in 1996 and ends June 30.

The largest portion of faculty and staff gifts, 44 percent, has been designated for scholarships and fellowships to support students. Faculty and staff have also supported all other campaign priorities.

"It’s a phenomenal statement of the loyalty and affection the faculty and staff have for the U," said V. Rama Murthy, professor in the Institute of Technology and chair of the Faculty-Staff Campaign Committee. "Obviously, university employees are deeply committed to the university."

Campaign Minnesota is the university's largest fund-raising campaign ever, with an initial goal of $1.3 billion. As of March 31, $1.589 billion has been raised, 102 new endowed faculty positions have been created, scholarship and fellowship support for students has tripled, and campaign gifts have helped build or renovate 25 buildings. More than $646 million has been designated as endowment gifts, providing long-term support for the university.

The full benefit of Campaign Minnesota will be felt over the long term, as the amount raised includes pledges, bequests and other future gifts. About 98 percent of all gifts to the university are designated for specific purposes by donors, and about half the gifts made during Campaign Minnesota have been designated for endowment.

Events to thank and recognize faculty and staff giving will be held on each campus Tuesday, April 22, as follows:

Twin Cities campus/Minneapolis: Noon, Northrop Plaza. Procession down the Mall, lunch, program, featuring Bruniniks and Goldy Gopher, and tree planting.

Twin Cities campus/St. Paul: Noon, mall between Cleveland and Eckles avenues. Lunch, program, featuring Executive Vice President and Provost Christine Maziar, and tree planting.

Crookston: 8:30 a.m., Kiehle Building. Music and refreshments.

Morris: 8:30 a.m., Campus Mall. Tree planting and refreshments.

Duluth: 1 p.m., Weber Music Hall. Program of student performances.

The events on the Twin Cities campus are part of Beautiful U Day festivities and are made possible primarily through private support.

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