New goal for KU First to exceed $600 million

To help raise financial support for underfunded programs and projects for the University, a new goal to exceed $600 million by the end of 2004 has been set for KU First: Invest in Excellence. Forrest Hoglund, e'56, campaign chairman, announced the new goal at a meeting of the KU First Steering Committee Feb. 7 at Eaton Hall.

The Kansas University Endowment Association is conducting KU First on behalf of KU through 2004. Counting toward the campaign's goal began in 1998. The campaign's initial goal of $500 million was met in November 2003, when the Kansas Masonic Foundation pledged $15 million for the Kansas Cancer Institute at the KU Medical Center.

Hoglund said that although the campaign had made great strides in raising support for student and faculty support and construction projects, some campaign priorities remained underfunded.

"We have had fantastic support among KU friends and alumni for KU First," Hoglund said. "But there are still great needs for which we will continue to raise funds. Our fund-raising priorities for the coming year include increased support for scholarships, fellowships and professorships; new facilities for academic research and programs; and emerging new academic opportunities."

Hoglund commended donors for their generosity.

"Donors are helping the University reach a new level of excellence by stepping up to provide the KU community with more financial aid opportunities, new distinguished scholars and state-of-the art facilities," he said. "We've come so far since we publicly announced our goal back in September 2001, and we're confident we can achieve our new goal."

KU Endowment is an independent, non-profit organization serving as the official fund-raising and fund-management organization for KU.