The University of Idaho received close to $2 million for the “Inspiring futures” fundraising campaign that began April 28.
“Over 850 folks in black tie and ball gowns filled the floor of the Kibbie Dome,” said Chris Murray, vice president for University Advancement.
Andrew Gauss, director of alumni and development marketing communications, said the event was designed to thank donors who gave to the university during the campaign’s quiet portion.
The $225 million campaign began in 2007, and raised $161.8 million before the campaign went public. About $164 million has been raised overall.
During the quiet portion of the campaign, alumni and friends were solicited for donations.
Programs like Vandal Connect, a student-staffed fundraising call center, asked for donations. Vandal Connect raised $2 million between 2010 and 2012.
Jessica Billings, director of Vandal Connect, said donors have complete control over where their money goes.
She said alumni will often donate to the college they graduated from, or the college their children are enrolled.
Gauss said the campaign focuses on student success, faculty recruiting and retention, facility maintenance and continuing programs.
“A majority of (the Kibbie Dome renovation) was funded … through donor support,” Gauss said.
The university is also trying to build its first building in more than 10 years — the Integrated Research Innovation Center.
The goal for that project is $100 million. It is about half funded now.
When completed, it will stand next to the Teaching and Learning Center, where the Navy ROTC building once stood.
Each college has its own fundraising goals and plans for the money, Gauss said.
He said the campaign has increased the number of scholarships in each college.
The campaign website has information on what those goals are. It also tracks how much each college has raised.
The marketing efforts of the campaign try to show the face of the university, Gauss said.
The campaign website contains stories, videos and pictures showing how the University of Idaho impacts students and faculty.
Gauss said the goal of the videos is to show why it is important for alumni and friends of the university to give back.
Visitors to the site can look at current projects, track the campaign’s progression and even look up individual donor names.
The university also produced a DVD with some of the highlights.
The campaign is expected to run through 2014, the 125-year anniversary of the university.
Gauss said they hope to celebrate reaching the $225 million goal, as well as the university’s birthday, with a look at the things the University of Idaho has done.
The “Inspiring Futures” campaign is the largest fundraising campaign in Idaho history.
Kasen Christiansen can be reached at [email protected]