Spectrum - Volume 18 Issue 21 February 22, 1996 - Campaign at 66 percent of goal; gifts now exceed $170 million

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Campaign at 66 percent of goal; gifts now exceed $170 million

By Terry McGuire

Spectrum Volume 18 Issue 21 - February 22, 1996

It was a happy year-end roundup for the Hokies in more ways than one. While the football team feasted on Texas Longhorn at the Sugar Bowl, the Campaign for Virginia Tech continued on a very bullish trend. As of December 31, the campaign total had climbed to $170.5 million, or 68 percent of its overall goal of $250 million. The new figure is more than $20 million above that announced at the campaign's public launching on September 16. Even more impressive, the campaign recorded $78 million in gifts and commitments during the 1995 calendar year-an increase of nearly 85 percent from Dec. 31, 1994.

For additional important information on the Campaign for Virginia Tech, please see page 3 for remarks by Charles Steger, vice president for development and university relations.

According to Michael Carroll, associate vice president for university development, several factors contributed to these strong results. "Certainly, a growing and dedicated group of volunteers is having a very positive impact in a number of areas," he says. "And, beginning in March, as we move into regional fundraising, their efforts will have an even greater effect on our progress.

"The success of the campaign kick-off was a factor in the fourth quarter as well," Carroll says. "You can't overestimate the momentum such an event provides. It generates a sense of pride and a swell of enthusiasm that are contagious and long-lasting."

Carroll also credits the development research staff for their ability to continue to uncover individuals who are prospects for major gifts ($25,000 or more) as another contributor to the robust performance. To date, research has identified more than 7,400 of these individuals whose combined giving potential is in excess of $1.1 billion. These numbers are far greater than the 5,740 prospects and $800 million in potential major gifts generally recommended for a $250-million campaign.