September 1997

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UMass Boston First to Improve University

The UMass Boston First Campaign has impressed the most cynical of philanthropic professionals because of its ability to adapt traditional capital campaign practices to its own innovative design and mission. As the first capital campaign in UMass Boston's 33-year history, the Campaign has been a catalyst to achieving many University "firsts" as well as becoming the force behind the development of a University identity.

The UMass Boston First Campaign has acquired over $17 million in private contributions toward its goal of $50 million by end of the year 2001. The new funds for endowment, capital projects, and academic programs are essential to:

• enhance and maintain the quality of UMass Boston faculty,
• ensure that UMass Boston remains accessible to students with the motivation and capacity to succeed,
• support new and continuing academic and research initiatives, and
• upgrade the total education environment, including campus facilities and technological resources.

One of the most exciting aspects of UMass Boston First is the philanthropic enthusiasm that it has attracted. We have received gift commitments of almost $400,000 from several of the system-wide University Trustees, principally Charlie Hoff ($200K), Myra and Bob Kraft ($100K), Grace and Ted Fey ($50K), and Robert and Marybeth Haynes ($10K). The students have also managed to contribute an initial sum of $101,000 toward scholarships from the revenue they derive from student-run Wit's End Cafe and other activities on campus. This is indeed unusual and impressive, and they have committed an additional $45,000.

The UMass Boston First Campaign has stirred the imagination of alumni, faculty, and friends, motivating thoughts of a revitalized University. The plan is to continue pushing against old ideas and attitudes to create a vibrant University environment; to transform the physical structure into an arena of art, culture, theater, politics, and world-class academics; and, of course, to meet the $50 million challenge.

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