University of Arkansas Announces Mid-Year Fund-Raising Receipts

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - At the halfway point of the 2005 fiscal year on Dec. 31, 2004, the University of Arkansas had raised $43,243,080. This total accounts for gifts received between July 1, 2004, and the end of the 2004 calendar year and excludes pledges. The total is 18 percent higher than the $35.7 million received during the same period last year.

The Campaign for the Twenty-First Century is making progress as well. On Dec. 31, 2004, $878.5 million in commitments had been recorded against the $900 million goal.

The $300 Million Challenge, the campaign-within-a-campaign to raise $300 million for academic purposes to match the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation's gift of $300 million to the University of Arkansas, stands at $249.5 million, or 83 percent of the total amount to be raised.

UA Chancellor John A. White, said: "What a wonderful way to ring in the new year and start the spring semester! It's great news for the students, faculty and staff of the University of Arkansas. I know of no other university with such loyal and supportive alumni, friends, and benefactors as we have. The key to our fundraising success is our extraordinary volunteer leadership team.The Campaign Steering Committee, the Campaign co-chairs and treasurer, and the National Development Council have given their valuable guidance and loyal support to University of Arkansas projects and programs. We are truly grateful for their ongoing counsel and participation."

G. David Gearhart, vice chancellor for university advancement, said: "This is good news at the midway point of our fiscal year. We're pleased to be up over the same period last year, particularly with less than six months remaining in the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century. Every dollar we raise is critical to strengthening the foundation of our institution now and in the future.

"There are two key goals we have yet to meet. The first is the $900 million goal. The second is the $300 Million Challenge goal. We have $21.5 million left to raise to reach $900 million. Though there's been great progress due to the support of our donors and volunteers on the overall goal, there is much more work #- $50 million worth - #that must be accomplished to reach the $300 million goal. It's daunting, but I believe that together we can raise the $50 million that remains in the Challenge before June 30."

University of Arkansas Fund-Raising at a Glance

Campaign for the Twenty-First Century

• Begin date: July 1, 1998
• End date: June 30, 2005
• Goal: $900 million in private gift support through gifts and pledges for academic and athletic purposes
• Co-chairs and dates of service: Rob Walton 1998-1999, Tommy Boyer 1999-2002, Jim Walton 2002-2003, Frank Broyles 2003-2004, Tommy Boyer 2004-2005
• Treasurer: Johnelle Hunt 1999-2005
• Amount raised as of Dec. 31, 2004: $878.5 million
• Number of gifts and pledges: 272,984
• On the Web: http://www.uark.edu/rd_vcad/campaign/index.htm

The $300 Million Challenge

• Begin date: Jan. 1, 2002
• End date: June 30, 2005
• Goal: $300 million in private gift support though gifts and pledges for academic purposes
• Amount raised as of Dec. 31, 2004: $249.5 million
• On the Web: http://www.uark.edu/rd_vcad/campaign/371_ENG_HTML.htm

Year-to-Date Fund-Raising Results for 2005 Fiscal Year

• Begin date: July 1, 2004
• End date: June 30, 2005
• Goal: $78 million in private gift support
• Amount raised as of Dec. 31, 2004: $43.2 million