Furman’s campaign apparently launches with a goal of $426 million by 2026

Furman University today announced its largest campaign to date. According to Furman, our three-century campaign marks the beginning of his next 300 years at the university, where he aims to raise $426 million by 2026.

The announcement was made during a clear evening kick-off event, the Purple Party, when more than 600 Furman faculty, staff, alumni and friends gathered on the Roberts Rugby Pitch in purple shirts and sneakers. We celebrated. Chairman of the 1991 Board of Directors, he led a cheerleader and encouragement band led by Kevin Byrne to kick off the party and bring the crowd to its feet. Visit Furman’s Instagram channel @FurmanUniversity or search #ClearlyFurman for photos and videos from the launch.

The party culminated in three days of activities showcasing scholarship, innovation, enthusiastic learning and other academic endeavors by students, faculty and staff at the Paladin Pitch, Furman Engaged and Furman Showcase. At the end of the night, Furman President Elizabeth Davis announced bold goals for the campaign.

Furman cheerleaders and bands celebrate the launch of the Clearly Furman campaign on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

“This is Furman’s moment. This is our moment,” Davis said. “This is the moment we come together to propel our university into the third century, with a clear vision and resources to fulfill our enormous potential.”

Davis said everyone has a role to play in the campaign. We must be bold, we must be ambitious, now is our time, please join us.”

Campaign co-chair Robert Hill ’83 stepped forward and said, “And now, just as we celebrated a thrilling and historic victory[at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament]let’s ring the buzzer and celebrate this historic victory.” Let’s start a transformative campaign with!”

Hill and his wife Margaret Hill ’83 Campaign Co-Chair joined Davis and the three pushed the button to start the ceremony. A spectacular and moving video was played and fireworks lit up the sky.

The university is on track to reach its goals. During the “quiet” leadership phase, David Trone and his wife June donated his $10 million to the mental health of students in 1977 to establish the Hillel Endowment Fund, and Ravenel made his $10 million donation. He has already raised more than $309 million. Curry III ’63 is the cornerstone of Timmons Arena renovation, his $40 million project funded 83%. Furman also received more than his $52.5 million from the Duke Foundation to fund Furman Advantage.

Vice President of Development Heidi Hansen McCrory said the campaign wasn’t just about raising a lot of money.

“Clearly Furman’s campaign provides a moment for Furman to focus on our future and explore the philanthropic efforts that make that future a reality,” McCrory said before the announcement. is an opportunity to involve everyone in college life and a real opportunity to publicly express our pride.”

The campaign will increase Furman’s pride, educate the community about the university’s vision for the future, and encourage people to participate in advancing the university toward that future.

It’s not just Fuhrman’s future that the campaign is trying to change, McCrory said.

“What really matters is making the world a better place through the philanthropic support of Furman and this campaign. Yes.”

The university has identified six major initiatives for its campaign.

Scholarships, Education and Academic Programs: $130 million. Scholarships, professorships and departmental initiatives. “We know that the world needs the skills of Furman graduates more than ever,” said McCrory. “We want to ensure that every student who wants to enter Furman University has that opportunity, and the scholarship will make that possible.”

Furman Advantages: $126 million. The Duke Endowment helped fund Furman’s unique approach to student success, including Pathways, Student Studies, Study Her Away, and Internships. These funds will be permanently donated to The Furman Advantage.

Wellness, belonging and community: $30 million. This helps fund inclusive community centers and student programs focused on health, belonging, community, mental and physical fitness and wellness.

Athletic, Coaching, Competitive: $50 million. Most of these funds will not only fund the renovation of Timmons Arena, but also scholarships and funds for recruitment, coach salaries, and other needs to help the Paladins compete on and off the field. Offers.

Institute: $40 million. Furman has four laboratories that conduct research and provide students with unique opportunities to engage with the community and the private sector. They are the Sea Institute for Sustainable Communities, the Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Institute for Improving Community Health, and the Riley Institute.

Annual Fund: $50 million. This fund enables universities to meet the most pressing needs of educational institutions and ensure that all students receive high-impact learning experiences that prepare them for meaningful lives and careers.

The next big fundraising event is Dins Day on Tuesday, April 25th. His 24-hour annual event, held on the last day of a student’s class, encourages Furman’s friends around the world to support the college. Events are held in many cities across the country.

The Clearly Furman campaign begins this summer and will visit alumni and friends in 27 cities over the next three years, starting in New York in June.