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U.Va. Engineering School Raises Campaign Goal To $50 Million April 29, 1999 -- The University of Virginia's School of Engineering and Applied Science has surpassed its previous campaign goal of $37.5 million and today announced it has increased its goal to $50 million by the end of 2000. "Thanks to the incredible generosity of engineering school alumni, corporate partners, foundations and friends we have far exceeded the expectations of the original goal, set in 1995," said F. Hudnall Christopher, a 1955 engineering school graduate and chairman of the fundraising campaign. "However, more work remains. There are several major new projects currently being considered that were not in the original campaign plan but that present us with exciting opportunities to advance teaching and research." The 33 percent jump in the fundraising goal comes as the school expects to record about $45 million in gifts by the end of the year. The school has received commitments for several million-dollar-plus gifts from both companies and individuals over the past 12 months, including The Whitaker Foundation, Allied Signal Inc., IBM Corp., Linwood A. "Chip" Lacy, Jr., of Richmond, and Colgate Darden III, of Lexington, S.C. Several more million-dollar gifts are likely in the near future as well, said Thomas N. Connors, vice president for development at the engineering school. Recent gifts have enabled the school to strengthen its faculty by creating three new endowed chairs, the L.A. Lacy Chair in Engineering, the Shirley Carter Olsson Chair in Ethics and the Brent Halsey Visiting Chair in Chemical Engineering. Funds for student scholarships also have been growing, but needs remain. In particular, the school would like to add financial support to the Rodman Scholars program, an honors program for exceptional engineering students who pursue an enriched, intensive curriculum. There are continuing needs for state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and facilities to attract research talent at all levels. Recent overhauls of the curriculum for the Rodman program and other courses also have demanded resources as have the school's continuing efforts to attract a diverse student body and launch new international initiatives. And there is an ongoing need to supplement faculty salaries to attract and retain outstanding teachers and scholars. Founded in 1836, U.Va.'s School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a diverse program in engineering education, with special focus areas in information technology, technology in medicine, microelectronics and semiconductors, and advanced materials. Contact: Charlotte Crystal, (804) 924-6858. |
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