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Letters to the Editor

More resources needed to achieve fund-raising goal
TCU’s fund-raising campaign is vital to the university’s future. The mechanics of the campaign and its implications for the university’s continued success are complex issues, and I applaud Colleen Marie Casey’s willingness to take up the challenge of reporting on them. However, since we all have a stake in this campaign, I would like to clarify some major points that were discussed in the a Skiff article on Nov. 8.

The Commission on the Future of TCU — which had task forces for each school and college — identified the initiatives that are being funded through the “The Our Time, Our Future” campaign. These university priorities will strengthen TCU, help us better meet the needs of our students, our city and our region and move the university to a new plateau of excellence.

To realize these priorities, TCU needs resources in addition to tuition and endowment income. The campaign is designed to provide that revenue though gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations.

Though still in a “quiet” phase (when only those closest to the university, such as TCU Trustees, are solicited), the campaign already has raised $72.6 million, about one-third of the proposed total. All $72.6 million is being used to improve the university and is providing the resources for new buildings, academic programs and positions, scholarships and other vital needs.

A working campaign goal of $230 million has been discussed. However, that amount would not fund all proposed projects. To a large degree, donor interest will determine which projects ultimately are funded.

Because of the challenging economic environment, the retirement of Chancellor Michael Ferrari and other concerns, the Board of Trustees will be assessing the campaign’s final goal, the date of the public kickoff (after which TCU will ask a broad audience for gifts), the length of the campaign and additional fund-raising matters. Then the new chancellor will weigh in on these issues.

Regardless of what direction the campaign may take in the future, fund raising is now under way — and will continue — on a variety of Commission on the Future priorities. This effort is led by the Trustee Steering Committee and is concentrating on the university’s top prospects.

Though there may be variables not yet contemplated, one thing we do know for certain: TCU needs the money the campaign is producing to continue the wonderful progress we have made over the last five years.

— Bronson C. Davis
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement