"Campaign
Minnesota," an unprecedented fund-raising effort for the University
of Minnesota, will raise $1.3 billion. As part of that campaign, the
Crookston campus announced its goal of $5 million last evening (Wednesday,
November 3) at the annual Torch and Shield Recognition. The campaign is
the largest ever raised on the UMC campus, and the University goal is
among the largest ever raised for an American public university.
The
massive fund-raising campaign, which will be completed in 2003, is
described by University President Mark Yudof as "a defining
moment" for the university as it strives to remain nationally
competitive for top faculty and students, and to meet the needs of a
burgeoning Minnesota economy.
"Economic
success and growth during the next century—in Minnesota, as well as
nationally—will be dependent upon developing the talent, creativity and
knowledge of our people," said Yudof in summarizing the need for the
campaign. "We are witnessing exciting breakthroughs in fields such as
cellular biology, plant genetics, medicine and digital technology.
As we begin the new millennium, the University of Minnesota has an
unprecedented opportunity to become one of the world’s premier
land-grant institutions."
Major
priorities for the Crookston campus include:
- $500,000 for the Center for Rural
Economic Development which will act as a catalyst for connecting
information with opportunity, creating jobs, producing income and
serving the public good.
- $1.5 million for endowed UMC
scholarships and $1.25 million for current UMC scholarships.
- $1 million for the Education and
Technology Resource Center, a diagnostic clinic to assess technology
skills and internet environment, which will also serve as UMC’s
Distinguished Teacher Academy and recognize faculty, staff and
students for creativity and outstanding contribution in teaching and
learning.
- $500,000 for Agricultural Research, in
collaboration with the Northwest Research and Outreach Center, the
former Northwest Experiment Station.
- $250,000 for Outreach to connect
the University and Community for extending the University’s reach to
citizens and comminutes.
"This is an exciting moment in the history of the campus," said UMC’s Chancellor Donald Sargeant. "To ensure that UMC can capitalize on this moment, we must enlist the support and talent of all who care about UMC."
Learn more
about the U of M System's Campaign Minnesota
Posted by Andrew Svec 11/04/99
Contact: Barbara Weiler, 218-281-8435