Chancellor Leads First Major Fundraising Campaign

TWU Times - Fall 2004

For the first time in its 103-year history, Texas Woman's University is launching a comprehensive capital campaign to ensure that TWU's pursuit of excellence continues well into its second century.

TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Ann Stuart is leading the drive to raise $150 million for the university's general endowment fund and for endowed chairs, scholarships, professorships, buildings, technology and faculty and staff professional development.

"More than ever, public universities are being expected to raise and rely on private funding," Chancellor Stuart said. "It is critical to the university's future that we build a strong financial base that will keep TWU competitive, distinctive and innovative."

Dr. Linda Hughes, chair and presiding officer of the TWU Board of Regents, said she and other board members are enthusiastic about the ambitious campaign.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the university," Dr. Hughes said. "TWU needs a major fundraising campaign to sustain its tradition of serving students and the people of Texas in ways that no other university does."

Chancellor Stuart said TWU is well positioned to enter a comprehensive campaign.

"The university is growing in size and quality. It has several nationally ranked programs and is increasing its research activity. Its mission and graduates return value to the citizens of Texas."

Among those graduates are nurses, teachers, occupational and physical therapists, librarians, artists, scientists, business leaders and other professionals who represent "an excellent return on state-allocated dollars invested in TWU," Chancellor Stuart said.

The $150-million goal includes a $45-million dollar campaign already underway than $33 million has been raised, including $3 million from the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation. The Fondren Foundation has donated $250,000 to the university's new Houston Center.

"We have an outstanding reputation in Houston," Chancellor Stuart said, "and I think a successful effort there will be an excellent start to a larger campaign.

For the first time, the university will seek major gifts from corporations and foundations, such as the Stark and Fondren gifts.

"Asking corporations and foundations to support us at this higher level is something the university has never done before," Chancellor Stuart said. "I believe this strategy will help us achieve our campaign goal and guarantee the long-term prosperity of the University."