“Bright Minds Bright Futures” Marks Truman’s First Fundraising Campaign

Truman State University has publicly launched a $30 million comprehensive fundraising campaign designed to generate private gift dollars to address high priorities of the University. The announcement of Truman’s first-ever fundraising campaign entitled “Bright Minds Bright Futures” was made by President Darrell W. Krueger and Campaign Chair Chuck Foudree at a press conference and alumni banquet during Homecoming 2009 festivities.
 
“This campaign will position Truman to fulfill its aspiration of becoming the nation’s premier public liberal arts and sciences university,” said Krueger. “Each priority is important to Truman’s future and will help provide margin of excellence resources that only private gifts can achieve.”


Campaign priorities were determined through a collaborative planning process that began in 2005 and included input from campus faculty and staff, from key University stakeholders, and all integrated with the University’s strategic plan. The key areas being supported through “Bright Minds Bright Futures” include:

Student Scholarships—$7.5 million for merit and need-based scholarships;
Student Enrichment and Academic Program Support—$7.5 million for academic programs and out-of-classroom student learning experiences;
Faculty Support—$2 million for endowed chairs, professorships and fellowships;
Athletics—$3 million for athletic facilities, programs and scholarships;
Legacy Gifts—$10 million in new deferred commitments through bequests.

The campaign’s $30 million goal includes $20 million in current gifts and multi-year pledges, and $10 million in future gift commitments as donors include the University in their estate plans.

Truman entered the advance gifts phase of the five-year campaign, designed to raise a significant portion of the goal prior to the public announcement, on July 1, 2006. To date, the campaign has received $18.61 million in gifts and commitments from 16,422 donors.

The campaign has already had a substantial impact on the lives of students. To date, a total of 104 new funds have been established, including 64 new scholarship funds. For 2009-2010 Truman is projecting to award $533,050 in scholarships to 551 students.

Several signature gift commitments have been secured, including a $2.87 million gift from the Holman family for study-abroad stipends, distinguished speaker series and graduate scholarships, and $1.5 million from Dr. Greg A. Gerhardt for a professorship in chemistry/biology and to create a summer research fellowship program.

“As I consider the future of Truman, we must ensure that future generations of students have the best possible educational experience to equip them for the challenges of our new global world,” said Foudree, campaign chair, 1966 alumnus and retired executive vice president of Harmon Industries in Blue Springs, Mo. “And private giving is the most effective and efficient way to provide the best students, faculty, programs and facilities for Truman to achieve its full potential.”

Foudree leads a campaign steering committee of 11 alumni and friends from across the country who will be overseeing the fundraising effort. The campaign’s honorary chair is Dr. Charles McClain, who served as University President from 1970-1989.

The initiative now enters its public phase, where regional campaigns have been established in Truman’s major markets, and all constituents will be asked to participate. More than 80 volunteers have been recruited to assist in the effort, which runs until the campaign concludes on June 30, 2011.