USI Leaps Fundraising Goal Early
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe University of Southern Indiana Foundation has exceeded the goal of a record-breaking fundraising campaign with nearly a year to spare. The organization was looking to secure $50 million over three years. To date, Campaign USI: Elevating Excellence has raised more than $55 million. The current effort is the second capital campaign led by the foundation, the last one ended in 1998 and raised $24 million. USI is marking its 50th anniversary.
The campaign kicked off in April 2013 and will continue until June 30. Coincidentally, USI is also marking its 50th anniversary.
USI Foundation President David Bower says the foundation owes so much to campaign chair Ron Romain and USI President Linda Bennett. In addition to Romain’s leadership through the fundraising process, he and his wife Connie Dartt Romain kicked off the effort in 2013 with their gift that led to the renaming of USI’s business school in their honor.
Bower says the support in the campaign supports his feeling that the establishment of the university is the "greatest thing to happen to the region in the last 50 years." He says "Elevating Excellence" will help raise awareness for the university statewide and help them realize "what a jewel we have here in Evansville."
Donors pushed the foundation past its $50 million target in August. The USI Foundation has assets of more than $120 million.
The campaign focuses on:
- Enriching Student Experience
- Enhancing the Academic Experience
- Elevating Athletics
- Strengthening Community Partnerships
- Providing Ongoing Annual Support
Bennett says "this campaign is about transforming the future of an institution with a reputation for delivering results. An investment in the University of Southern Indiana is an investment in the civic, cultural and economic well-being of all communities it serves. How fortuitous that in these last few weeks of celebrating our 50-year history we can announce the tremendous success of this campaign, the positive effects of which will lead us forward well into our second century of service in providing excellent, affordable and accessible higher education to all USI students."
USI Foundation President David Bower says the funds will have the most dramatic impact on the student experience.