FACULTY-STAFF CAMPAIGN GETS RECORD PARTICIPATION

AUBURN - Faculty and staff members at Auburn University were asked by their colleagues across campus to help ensure that the “It Begins at Auburn” Campaign really does begin at Auburn. They answered with a record 55 percent participation, an increase of 12 percentage points from last year.

“The dedicated efforts of AU’s faculty and staff made this possible,” said Bob Martin, assistant vice president for development. “Almost every division increased their participation percentage for this year as compared to last year.”

Seven divisions reached 100 percent compared with three last year. These divisions include: President’s Office, Treasury Services, Development Office, Office of Communications and Marketing, School of Nursing, AU Libraries and Alumni Affairs.

“The success of this campaign surpassed all of our expectations,” said Bob McGinnis, vice president for development. “I sincerely thank all individuals who participated in this campaign. Your support will form the basis of the remainder of the university-wide campaign and will encourage significant gifts from our alumni and friends this year and into the future.”

This year’s Faculty Staff Campaign ran from March 8 to May 4 and involved dozens of volunteers from all colleges, schools and divisions. Campaign co-chairs were Dwight Wolfe of Veterinary Medicine, Greg Williams of Athletics and Paula Sullenger of AU Libraries.

The purpose was to make a statement to alumni and friends that a significant percentage of faculty and staff support the university.

“The goal of the campaign was participation,” said Martin. “All gifts, of any size, counted toward each division’s competitive participation rate. Donors could target their funds to help ensure the success of their colleges, schools or programs or designate other uses that support the university’s mission and help strengthen the university.”

Contributions for the Faculty Staff Campaign are a part of the larger, nationwide fund-raising “It Begins at Auburn” Campaign, which has raised approximately $479 million toward the overall goal of $500 million in private support for AU.

The “It Begins at Auburn” Campaign encompasses all colleges and schools as well as the AU libraries and museums, athletics and Auburn University Montgomery. 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.

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Auburn University is a top-50 ranked public university that has provided instruction, research and outreach to benefit the state and nation for more than 150 years. A more than $4 billion economic impact on the state - including more than $2.4 billion in providing jobs and people resources - demonstrates AU’s commitment to this mission. AU has more than 214,000 alumni, and provides 130 degree options to nearly 23,500 graduate and undergraduate students.

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