posted on Oct.3: McMaster’s most ambitious campaign exceeds expectations

The most ambitious fundraising campaign in the history of McMaster University has exceeded all expectations.

The Changing Tomorrow Today campaign raised almost $30 million more than the original target of $100 million, set two years ago. The total amount raised is $128,628,073 in private sector gifts.

President Peter George and campaign chair Lynton 'Red' Wilson announced the milestone at a reception held Wednesday night. More than 500 people were on hand to celebrate the campaign's success and to thank the hundreds of volunteers, students, faculty, staff and alumni who ensured the campaign surpassed its target.

“I am absolutely thrilled to announce that the Changing Tomorrow Today campaign has raised $128.6 million,” said George.

“The total reflects not only the prestige in which McMaster is held in this community, this province and this country, but also the anticipation of great things to come from our faculty, students and alumni. It is a tribute not only to the University's reputation and standing as an academic institution, but also to the tremendous work of everyone involved.”

The wildly successful campaign broke new ground for McMaster. Some highlights include:

• almost 30,000 donors contributed to the campaign.
• $25 million in scholarship and bursary funds. In addition to the $13.97 million in matching funds from the government, McMaster was able to increase its scholarship and bursary endowments from $19 million to $69 million.
• 39 new endowed chairs. Prior to the campaign, the University had no endowed chairs – this will assist in faculty recruitment and retention.
• significant contributions from alumni and friends accounted for 52 per cent of the total campaign donations and 94 per cent of the total number of donors.
• the community campaign – Board of Governors, faculty, staff, retirees – contributed more than $8 million.

Campaign chair Red Wilson said that the University will enjoy
more success.

“I am a proud graduate of McMaster and am proud to have worked with so many volunteers and members of the University to help make the campaign such a tremendous success,” Wilson said. “I am confident that this is just the beginning of a future that will bring even greater success to this outstanding institution.

Wilson said he got involved because the campaign had a vision.

“This campaign wasn't just about replacing lost government money. It was about students, about faculty, about wanting to ensure that the dollars for research, equipment and facilities are there.”

One of the many legacies of the campaign is the Centre for Leadership in Learning.

Director Dick Day said the centre would not have been possible without the fundraising campaign.

“These gifts will allow us to continue to look at new ways of teaching and to expand our understanding of technology.”