October 1, 2004: Volume 62, Number 4

College launches 'You are Union' campaign

Union launched a $200 million fundraising campaign at a special meeting of the Board of Trustees on Friday, Oct. 1.

The "You are Union" campaign will advance the College by supporting a number of initiatives including Converging Technologies, residential life, international programs, scholarships and faculty excellence.

The You are Union web site is at http://www.union.edu/youareunion.

"This campaign will allow us to continue the rich tradition of pioneering excellence that is at the heart of the Union experience," said President Roger H. Hull. "All colleges can lay claim to one of the five things that separate us, but no college can be said to do all five: making students at home in other cultures, technology, undergraduate research, and service to community in a unique living-learning environment. These are the benchmarks for the 'You are Union' campaign."

The campaign, which will conclude in June 2009, has already raised $80 million in its "silent phase." Ultimately, the money raised will be divided nearly evenly between the support of current programs and new initiatives.

Among the specific programs and initiatives the campaign will fund are:

• $37.1 million for student scholarships to attract and retain an exceptional, diverse student body;

• $33.5 million to reinvigorate residential life, including creating the Minerva system and construction and renovation of numerous residence halls and dining facilities;

• $31.5 million to fund 21 endowed chairs and professorships to support and strengthen Union's faculty;

• $24.9 million to strengthen the Converging Technologies initiative through renovation of the science and engineering building complex and creating CT endowments;

• $11 million to expand international study through terms abroad;

• $10.4 million to fund construction and renovation of athletic facilities, including Bailey Field, the Viniar Sports Complex, and the College Park athletic field;

• $8 million to further promote and expand undergraduate research, including creating an endowment for summer research programs;

• $5.7 million for arts expansion, including renovation of North Colonnade and creating arts endowments; and

• $4.6 million for library acquisitions to support an exceptional library facility.

Three alumni trustees are co-chairing the campaign –Mark Walsh '76, entrepreneur and venture capitalist; Frank Messa '73, senior vice president of Ayco Co.; and John Wold '38, scientist, businessman and former Congressman (honorary chair).

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