ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

Since Gail and I arrived at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ in 1995, we have been gratified to witness how the University has repeatedly shattered expectations, made history, and left an indelible mark on our community through the efforts of trustees, donors, faculty, alumni, students, staff, and the wider community. Because of these partnerships, that momentum has accelerated further during the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow campaign.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Ignited has broken new records and exceeded our $1.5 billion goal three years ahead of schedule. We are thrilled to report that donors have given $1.64 billion. Congratulations!

The campaign will therefore conclude ahead of schedule on May 31, 2025. In this final campaign update, you will read how the remarkable support of our donors and volunteers has impacted the lives of our students, the work of our faculty, and the communities we serve. Beyond the significant outcomes that gifts have achieved – through scholarships, academic initiatives, faculty positions, new and renovated facilities, and more – the collective impact of your support has transformed the University. In just the last two years:

• ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ was designated a Research One (R1) university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, underscoring the University’s place as one of the nation’s top research institutions.
• Student recruitment grew significantly, with undergraduate applications 59% higher than when we launched the campaign in 2021 – demonstrating that an ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ education has never been more desirable.
• ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ was invited to join the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference, which positions ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ in the highest levels of college athletics among elite universities.

None of this would have been possible without the hundreds of business and community leaders who volunteered their time and expertise for our cause and the tens of thousands of donors who generously support our vision. On behalf of the entire University community, Gail and I would like to express our deep gratitude to our dedicated campaign volunteers, including the members of the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Ignited Campaign Leadership Council for their guidance:

Michael M. Boone ’63, ’67, Co-Chair

Kelly Hoglund Compton ’79, Co-Chair

Robert H. Dedman, Jr. ’80, ’84, Co-Chair

Gerald J. Ford ’66, ’69, Convening Co-Chair

Ray L. Hunt ’65, Co-Chair

David B. Miller ’72, ’73, Co-Chair

Caren H. Prothro, Co-Chair

Carl Sewell ’66, Co-Chair

Richard K. Templeton, Co-Chair

The campaign’s leadership also wishes to express gratitude to ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ staff and faculty who have connected our donors’ philanthropic passions with the world-class work that takes place in every part of the University. I have been fortunate to have the support of a strong team led by Brad E. Cheves, senior vice president for Development and External Affairs, who continues to work tirelessly on behalf of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½.

With the conclusion of the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Ignited campaign, the University enters a new chapter on June 1 under the leadership of its 11th President, Jay Hartzell. His arrival will launch a new phase of strategic planning and continued fundraising for capital, current-use funds, endowment gifts, and key priorities such as scholarships, faculty positions, athletics, and school initiatives. Our volunteer fundraising committees will remain active to address pressing needs and support our schools and units, alongside our executive boards.

Thanks to the support of so many, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is stronger than it has ever been. As I become president emeritus, I look forward to continuing to support the University’s advancement. All of us remain grateful for your enduring faith in our mission and your continuing support for our bright future.

With gratitude,

R. Gerald Turner
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ President