AUBURN UNIVERSITY’S WASHINGTON, D.C., CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Auburn University publicly launched its Washington, D.C., regional campaign on Tuesday, March 6, at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. The regional campaign is one of 29 that will take place across the country as part of the $500 million “It Begins at Auburn” fundraising effort for the university.

Prominent Washington, D.C., alumni and friends gathered for the celebration. The campaign goal for the region is to raise funds for academic and athletic programs. Other goals include keeping alumni engaged and developing leadership and volunteers for Auburn University.

“The regional campaigns will expand the number of alumni giving to Auburn,” said Bob McGinnis, AU vice president for development. “They will unite the Auburn family in a common cause to support our students and faculty.”

The evening’s program was led by regional campaign co-chairs Dick and Jayne Edge and Tom and Diane McMahon. When asked about giving back to his alma mater, Dick Edge stated, “I have always wanted to give something back to Auburn and that is why I have made a pledge to this campaign.”

Tom McMahon spoke of the importance of alumni involvement in achieving success for Auburn’s current campaign, stating, “Where the future of our beloved university is concerned, it begins with each of us and success will depend, in large measure, on the core group of alumni and friends who support Auburn’s vision for the future.”

In addition, presidential scholarship recipient, Lauren Samford, also spoke about her love for Auburn and appreciation for both her education and the importance of her scholarship that makes that education possible. Campaign co-chair Sally Jones Hill conveyed to the audience the importance of private funding, specifically in the form of endowments.

President Ed Richardson discussed the importance of continued giving to Auburn. “Auburn University is on its way to becoming one of the best public universities in this country,” Richardson said. “With the help of the entire Auburn family we will be able to meet this goal.”

The remaining regional campaigns will kickoff between now and the fall of 2007. These campaigns will last from two to six months.

The “It Begins at Auburn” campaign encompasses all colleges and schools as well as the AU Libraries, athletics, Auburn University Montgomery and the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Endowments for student scholarships, faculty, programs and unrestricted dollars make up 58 percent of the campaign's goal.

In addition to endowments, the campaign will also focus on facilities and equipment; campus beautification; research; and current operations. The campaign has raised more than $450 million, or 90 percent of the campaign’s goal.

(Contributed by Kristen Jackson; photos available upon request.)

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Auburn University is a comprehensive land-grant and research institution with more than 23,500 students and 6,500 faculty and staff. Ranked among the top 50 public universities nationally, Auburn offers more than 230 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.

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