FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — At the halfway point of the 2004 fiscal year on Dec. 31, 2003, the University of Arkansas had raised $35.7 million. This total accounts for gifts received between July 1, 2003, and the end of the 2003 calendar year and excludes pledges. The total is 35 percent higher than the $26.3 million received during the same period last year.

The Campaign for the Twenty-First Century is making progress as well. On Dec. 31, 2003, $782 million in commitments had been recorded against the $900 million goal.

The $300 Million Challenge, the campaign-within-a-campaign to raise $300 million for academic purposes to match the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation’s gift of $300 million to the University of Arkansas, stands at $152 million, or 51 percent of the total amount to be raised.

UA Chancellor John A. White, said: This is a nice way to ring in the new year, and is very good news for the students, faculty and staff of the University of Arkansas. We have an extraordinary volunteer leadership team in place and our continued success would not be possible without their support. The Campaign Steering Committee, the Campaign Co-Chairs and Treasurer, and the National Development Council have given their valuable guidance and loyal support to University of Arkansas projects and programs. We are truly grateful for their ongoing counsel and participation."

G. David Gearhart, vice chancellor for University Advancement, said: "This is grand news at the mid-way point of our fiscal year. With just less than a year and a half left in the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, every dollar we raise is critical to strengthening the foundation of our institution now and in the future.

"We are beginning to see a turnaround in the stock market and increased investor confidence, which translates into increased donor activity from corporations, foundations and individuals," Gearhart said. "Of course, we must also recognize our success would not be possible without the dedication of our great staff, the deans and our many Campaign volunteers."

University of Arkansas Fund-Raising at a Glance

Campaign for the Twenty-First Century

• Begin date: July 1, 1998
• End date: June 30, 2005
• Goal: $900 million in private gift support through gifts and pledges for academic and athletic purposes
• Co-chairs and dates of service: Rob Walton 1998-1999, Tommy Boyer 1999-2002, Jim Walton 2002-2003, Frank Broyles 2003-2004, Tommy Boyer 2004-2005
• Treasurer: Johnelle Hunt 1999-2005
• Amount raised as of Dec. 31, 2003: $782.4 million
• Number of gifts and pledges: 223,533
• Best month of the Campaign for number of gifts: December 2002 — 4,870 gifts
• On the Web: http://pigtrail.uark.edu/depts/advancement/campaign.html

The $300 Million Challenge

• Begin date: Jan. 1, 2002
• End date: June 30, 2005
• Goal: $300 million in private gift support though gifts and pledges for academic purposes
• Amount raised as of Dec. 31, 2003: $152 million
• On the Web: http://pigtrail.uark.edu/depts/advancement/challenge.html

Year-to-Date Fund-raising Results for 2004 Fiscal Year

• Begin date: July 1, 2003
• End date: June 30, 2004
• Goal: $70 million in private gift support
• Amount raised as of Dec. 31, 2002: $35.7 million
• Number of gifts received: 16,035