Students First Campaign - Final Report Newsletter
Ideas won’t keep
Vice Chancellor Patti Stewart
I recently came across a quotation that has stuck with me, by British mathematician and philosopher Alfred North Whitehead. He said, “Ideas won't keep; something must be done about them.” I couldn’t agree more. Success and solutions come not only from innovative thinking, but from the willingness and persistence to bring the products of good ideas to fruition.
The initiatives of the Students First Campaign – to dramatically increase scholarship support and academic programming, to create more faculty professorships, among others – were very good and important ideas. And thanks to our donors and volunteers, we were able to do something about those ideas. Something transformational. Something historic, in fact, by raising more than $115 million. Thanks to you, we exceeded our initial goal by more than 45 percent. You have truly made Students First. To learn more, see the impact the Students First Campaign made for each unit on campus.
What lies ahead? Just as Whitehead advised, we will continue to not only generate fresh ideas, but take the next steps that will pave the way for the future. Your continued investment in UNCG will be imperative. It is here that new solutions and new possibilities will be forged. You – our alumni and friends – are our stakeholders and best advocates; you are our invaluable partners in service to our state and nation.
One of UNCG’s areas of focus over the coming months will be to create greater access to education and student success. Take a look at UNCG’s Strategic Plan to learn more about our specific commitments that will take our Students First promise to a whole, new level.
One of the most exciting UNCG initiatives will be a new need-based scholarship program. Provost David Perrin has appointed a team of campus leaders to recommend how to most effectively implement this new program, which has powerful potential. And now, thanks to our largest-ever donation, a $6 million gift from an anonymous donor, we have the financial backing to help implement this exciting initiative.
It is wonderful to embark on the beginning of our 118th academic year with the resounding support of our alumni and friends. You’ve been an outstanding partner to UNCG. With the momentum provided by your generosity, we will not rest. The need to move the university forward has never been more important. We will continue to call on our supporters to join with us as we create new opportunities for the betterment of our community, state and nation.
Best wishes
Dr. Patricia W. Stewart
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement
