FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Fund raising for the first half of the current year at the University of Arkansas is running 25 percent above the same period last year.

From July 1, 2001, to Dec. 31, 2001, the University of Arkansas raised $21 million compared with $16.7 million for the same time last year. The total accounts for receipts only and does not include pledges. The University of Arkansas fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

The announcement was made during the University of Arkansas National Development Council’s annual meeting on Friday. The NDC, chaired by Curtis Shipley, is a volunteer organization that supports and advises the University in developing, enhancing and strengthening its academic and research programs. Shipley has been NDC chairman since 1997, and a member since 1982.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "This is terrific news and a wonderful beginning to a new year. Private gift support is making the difference in our academics and academic support programs as we continue to realize our vision of a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world. We are grateful to the alumni, friends, corporations, foundations and other organizations making private gifts to the University. Private gift support continues to have a direct impact not only on the University, but also the economy and culture of the state and remains an essential complement to state support."

It was also reported to the NDC that the Campaign has raised $295.4 million in gifts and pledges between the period of July 1, 1998, and Dec. 31, 2001. The total accounts for 59 percent of the $500 million goal raised in 58 percent of the time allotted for the Campaign.

The Campaign is scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2004. The Campaign’s first co-chair was Rob Walton, who served from July 1, 1998, until June 30, 2000. Tommy Boyer began his term as presiding co-chair July 1, 2000, and his service will conclude June 30, 2002, when Jim Walton will become co-chair for the next fiscal year. Frank Broyles will serve as co-chair the final year of the Campaign. Johnelle Hunt serves as treasurer for the Campaign’s duration.

The Campaign for the Twenty-First Century - which kicked off on Oct. 26, 2001, - is a six-year effort to raise significant gifts from private sources for the University of Arkansas. Campaign funds are being used to help the University achieve its vision. Campaign funds are being raised for six critical areas of need: endowed faculty positions, scholarship funds, academic programs, University Libraries, construction of new academic facilities and annual giving.

Vice Chancellor for University Advancement G. David Gearhart said, "This is fantastic news for the University of Arkansas and for our fund-raising efforts this year and throughout the Campaign. This is a tremendous accomplishment given the many funding opportunities before people during the last quarter of 2001. I’m very pleased with the entire University Advancement team for their hard work. Our fund-raising success would not be possible without the support of our volunteers and generous benefactors and we look forward to rounding out the fiscal year favorably."

Some of the gifts that are counted toward this fiscal year’s fund-raising total include:

They Tyson Family Foundation’s gift of $500,000 to the Randal Tyson Memorial Scholarship Endowment in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.
A gift of $525,000 by John and Pat Cooper, of Bella Vista, to the John A. Cooper Sr. Distinguished Chair of Diplomatic History in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.
A $430,000 bequest by Nelda Wolf Richter to the College of Education and Health Professions to establish nursing scholarships for qualified nursing students enrolled in the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing.
A grant to the University of Arkansas Community Design Center (UACDC), a division of the School of Architecture, for $346,000 from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation to fund Center operations and launch an effort in the Delta region.
A $3 million gift from the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation, of Springdale, Ark., will help the University of Arkansas build a new Student Health Center.
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