UB Raises $45 Million, Surpasses Capital Campaign Goal by $5 Million
March 7, 2012
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739
With a final push that resulted in dozens of key donations in its final months, Uniquely UB: The Campaign for the University of Baltimore is ending with a new record for funds raised—$45 million. The campaign shattered the institution's previous record for fundraising, almost doubling the amount of funds raised in a single, distinct capital campaign and exceeding its $40 million goal by 12 percent. Substantial new funding will be available to support scholarships for deserving students, to attract and retain first-rate teachers and scholars and to allow the institution to improve its facilities and technology. Overall, the campaign's success will allow UB to continue serving as a leading-edge, 21st-century university and to best meet the needs of both current and future students.
"The success of Uniquely UB is a testament to the generosity of the UB community—our alumni, faculty, staff, students and external supporters," said University of Baltimore President Robert L. Bogomolny. "That we set a new fundraising record during these challenging economic times speaks to the increased recognition of the role UB plays in transforming lives and positively impacting our region. People give to support success, and the campaign is a clear indication of UB's remarkable growth and bright future."
Each of UB's four schools—the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, the School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences—played a vital role in and will benefit from the campaign's success. Donations arrived in the form of pledges (more than $24 million), estate and planned gifts ($7.2 million), grants ($6.5 million), in-kind gifts (nearly $450,000) and cash ($5.9 million). More than 11,000 donors—UB alumni, friends and members of the University community—as well as corporate and foundation support contributed to the campaign, with 32 percent of all gifts coming from first-time donors. More than 100 donors committed at least $25,000 each, while eight committed more than $1 million each.
"The success of the Uniquely UB campaign says that our alumni are happy to repay the investment that the University of Baltimore made in them and their education," said Vernon Wright, B.S. '69, chair of the campaign. "Now, they are investing in future generations of UB students, and in an excellent 21st century university."
Over the course of the campaign, around 1,200 students benefited from UB Foundation funds. The number of new scholarships and student awards increased by 30, and more than $2.3 million will be awarded in financial aid to qualifying students, while additional financial support will go to fund study-abroad programs, student participation in academic competitions and new campus life activities coordinated through the University’s Henry and Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Center for Student Involvement. Even more of these types of awards are expected to be made over time.
"The tremendous success of UB's fundraising efforts is truly a cause for celebration. President Bogomolny and the entire UB 'family' have created a culture of philanthropy that will benefit the entire university—and the students it serves—with scholarships, professorships, and facility improvements that will benefit the University for years to come," said University System of Maryland Chancellor William E. Kirwan. "I also want to express my appreciation to Vernon Wright, who offered tremendous leadership in his role as campaign chair."
A recognition event for key donors is now in the planning stages. A thank-you banner will be hung on campus at the intersection of North Charles Street and Mount Royal Avenue, and an additional banner announcing the campaign's final outcome appears on the outside of UB's Academic Center at that same location.
The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the College of Public Affairs, the Merrick School of Business, the School of Law and the Yale Gordon College of Arts and Sciences.