The economy has been up and down lately, but one thing is for sure: Money has been flowing into The University of North Carolina at Greensboro – which is seeing surprisingly good donation and research grant money coming in.
In fact, the school recently announced that, for the second year in a row, the university has had its best fundraising year ever.
Through its “Light the Way: The Campaign for Earned Achievement” effort, UNCG has pulled in more than $163 million. The Light the Way campaign launched in the fall of 2021.
These positive numbers put the university on track to reach its goal of $200 million by later this year.
Randall Kaplan and Susan Safran, the chairs of the fundraising campaign, said in a joint statement that, over the past fiscal year, the schools total gifts and new commitments increased by $26.9 million, creating a level of commitment that will have “a profound impact on our University in the years and decades ahead.”
Giving by UNCG alumni increased 156 percent to $10.2 million in the recent fiscal year.
The official stated purpose of the campaign is “to elevate the University, strategically strengthening three key areas: access, excellence, and impact,” by “increasing scholarships to give talented students access to life-changing public higher education.”
The university is also expanding the number of endowed chairs and professorships it offers as well as “creating a springboard to launch new ideas and create innovative programs.”
During the fundraising campaign, over $21,000 unique donors have given so far. Obviously, UNCG Chancellor Frank Gilliam is pleased.
“Since our founding over 130 years ago, UNCG has been providing our students an exceptional education – and the collective UNCG family has been making a difference in our communities through our research and service,” Gilliam said. “Everyone who is a part of this campaign is helping the University light the way forward.”
The money for research at the school, largely from grants, has also been coming in. UNCG researchers broke records this year – with award funding reaching its highest level in the history of the school – nearly $68 million.
UNCG is attempting to increase its partnerships with others in an effort to help “improve health and prosperity in North Carolina.”
“This is the tenth consecutive year awards have risen at the University,” said Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Terri Shelton.
Donate? The Taxpayer donates. Grants? The Taxpayer grants.
Interesting stuff. Certain UNCG departments in the arts are getting the axe in terms of funding due to loss of university income from lack of student enrollment and the state’s decision to cut off additional funding based on graduate student numbers. This has been the biggest complaint from the professors of course. The redirected funds to the sciences has seen unsightly funding to the business school in creating this new “esports management” program, a minor program, a new inventory of gaming computers, and a non-credit certificate available to the public for 1000 dollars. Gilliam’s leadership has led to some questionable financial initiatives.
Is this the same Randall Kaplan, husband of Congressman Kathy Manning, who “purchased” by giving enough money to have a building on UNCG campus named after him? Rhetorical question.