UWSP Capital Campaign surpasses $30 million goal

Even as UWSP faces financial challenges, the university continues to be bold, seeking ways to not just get by, but to thrive. In this spirit, we launched our first comprehensive capital campaign on July 1, 2013.

This was uncharted territory for UW-Stevens Point, as the university had not conducted a fundraising initiative of this sort before. We thought an annual increase in giving of 50 percent by the end of June 2019, raising $18 million over that period, would be a good showing. But on April 30, 2016, when we announced the campaign publicly, we were already past the $17 million mark, thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends. Emboldened, we adjusted expectations and announced an ambitious campaign goal of $30 million.

The announcement brought about a few gasps in the room. But anyone who has walked the halls of UWSP knows you should never underestimate what Pointers, especially when they work together, can accomplish.

Today at our fall Foundation Board meeting, we announced that our goal has been achieved, nearly eight months ahead of schedule, with secured gifts and pledges in excess of $35.5 million - nearly 20 percent greater than the target goal we announced in 2016. Thousands of generous Pointers have given from the heart to make this happen - be it with a gift of one gold coin upon graduation or millions of dollars through an endowment. Our UW-Stevens Point Alumni, friends, faculty and regional partners have come together to support the students of today and, perhaps more importantly, the students of tomorrow.

While this amount is staggering, the success is not really about hitting a number; it's more than just dollars and cents. The real count is in lives changed by scholarships for students whose families have scrimped and saved so that their kids can expand their minds and their horizons. The campaign is about bringing and keeping the best and brightest faculty here to enrich the learning experience of the student body. It is about much, much more than money. I am delighted to report that we are achieving those objectives in a heretofore unprecedented manner.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is navigating some choppy waters at the moment, but not for the first time. Evolution brought by change and uncertainty has been a constant since the university was founded nearly 125 years ago. Any adversity faced has been a "trial by fire," tempering the steely resolve of UWSP and all who call this place home. By nature, we are innovators, educators committed to the Wisconsin Idea. Your continued love and support have made it possible for this special institution, where many of you have made your families proud and had your lives transformed, to endure.

Today we celebrate surpassing our campaign goal by setting Old Main aglow in Purple and Gold light. Tomorrow we'll go back to work, crossing new thresholds of giving that will make UWSP even stronger for generations to come. We look forward to continuing the journey with you.

With Pointer Pride,
Lon Roberts (’70)
TNF Campaign Chair &
UWSP Foundation Board President

 

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