Amidst a slew of events, UNC Charlotte set its sights toward the future with the launch of EXPONENTIAL, a $200 million campaign, which is the largest in University history. The campaign was announced on Sept. 22 as part of Founders Celebration, a week of events recognizing UNC Charlotte’s 70 years of creating opportunity.
Don’t forget, this bustling research university originally started as Charlotte Center to serve returning WWII veterans in 1946, and things have changed since the mid-century. “Now, UNC Charlotte is a leading urban research university with national and global scope,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “Our needs have changed as much as our campus. This campaign undoubtedly will bring exponential returns, serving the interests of students ... as well as many industries and residents of the region.”
To date, $115, 411,738 has been raised. The campaign focuses on four main areas: opportunities, such as scholarships for students of all backgrounds; recruiting and retaining world-class faculty and supporting their research; high-impact projects like the data science initiative; and student life resources, such as study abroad programs, internships, athletics and the marching band.
(Pictured, left: Chancellor Dubois speaking about the campaign)
$80 Million: Opportunity - Scholarships
$50 Million: Talent - Endowed Professorships
$40 Million: Resources - The Student Experience
$30 Million: Impact - Innovation
Campaign Chair Gene Johnson (’73) announced the launch of EXPONENTIAL to a packed house of more than 300 University friends, including former UNC system President Erskine Bowles.
“We are at a transformative juncture in the life of this University,” Johnson said. “One important milestone was when we achieved doctorate status and became a major research university. Now, we are moving more into shifting the financial burden away from students. This campaign will help us do that.”
Johnson is joined by honorary co-chairs Tim Belk and Family Dollar stores founder Leon Levine and his wife, Sandra Levine. In addition to Gene Johnson, the Campaign Executive committee is comprised of Dennis Bunker III, Mark Doughton, Dhiaa Jamil, Fred Klein, Jeff Leak, Joe Price and Ruth Shaw. Other Founders Celebration events included a time capsule dedication, a conversation with former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, the naming of the Popp Martin Student Union, #NinerNationGives and the 41st International Festival.