In addition to raising money for the University's operations, capital campaigns have provided funding for a plethora of activities and construction projects around Grounds.
The last capital campaign, which raised $1.43 billion from private donors and alumni, began in 1993 and was completed in 2000. During that period, the University renovated and expanded academic buildings, dormitories and other facilities.
Now, three years later, new needs have surfaced and preexisting ones remain. University administrators said they hope these deficiencies will be addressed by an even more ambitious campaign which aims to raise more than twice the amount of money as before.
"All priorities are expected to be consistent with and supportive of the University's long-term goals and purposes," said Leonard Sandridge, University executive vice president and chief operating officer.
One project which has been in need of funding for many years is the expansion of the Nursing School, said Bill Goodwin, former finance committee chair of the University Board of Visitors.
Goodwin, who also has provided large financial donations to the University in the past, said despite the Nursing School's demonstrated need, no large donors have pledged support for the project.
The South Lawn Project also is in need of funding before construction can begin, he said. Currently, enough money has been raised to pay for architectural plans and a few buildings, but funding for the project remains short of what is necessary.
"Not every need of the University is met," Goodwin said. "Some projects are much more visible and easy to get accomplished."
At the same time, he said, some donors anticipate needs of the University by providing donations for projects initially planned for completion further down the road.
Construction of the Carl Smith Center, for example, was largely funded by a $25 million donation from alumni Carl Smith, a former University football player. The project included expansion of Scott Stadium featuring an increase in seating capacity, a need which Goodwin said was able to be met ahead of schedule.
"We probably did that several years before it would have otherwise happened," he said.
Despite the complexities involved, Goodwin called fundraising a natural process.
"It just sort of happens," he said. "Most people who give nice gifts, they know what they want to do with it."
Construction projects are funded differently based on need and function, Goodwin added.
The recently-completed Emmet/Ivy Parking Garage, which collects money through user fees, was funded by long-term bonds to be paid back from revenues. Academic buildings, on the other hand, do not produce much revenue and are often funded through private donations.
Still, for programs without a marquee donor, Goodwin said it may be possible to be left out of the upcoming capital campaign.
"There's a lot less unrestricted giving than there was 20 years ago," he said. "More and more people today want to know where their money is going to go."
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