JMU's Goal-Breaking Comprehensive Campaign Tops $70 Million

HARRISONBURG - James Madison University's first comprehensive fundraising campaign concluded with $70 million committed, surpassing the campaign goal by 40 percent. 

The six-year comprehensive campaign, The Madison Century, began July 1, 2002, with a goal of $50 million. The campaign officially closed June 30, 2008. 

"I am truly heartened and excited by the unqualified success of our first comprehensive campaign," said JMU President Linwood H. Rose. "On behalf of the university, I extend sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this milestone accomplishment. 

"The significance of this successful campaign goes beyond the dollars raised and the programs funded," Rose said. "The success of the Madison Century campaign positions James Madison University well as we enter our second century of preparing students to be educated and enlightened citizens. I have no doubt our campaign success will support enhanced educational experiences for students who will live rewarding lives devoted to serving society." 

The Madison Century served as a bridge for JMU as the institution commemorated its first 100 years while looking forward to another century of educating students. 

Campaign gifts from generous contributors benefit every academic and administrative division of the university. JMU students will benefit from the successful campaign through improved campus facilities and additional support for teaching excellence and student scholarships. 

Among other significant gifts, the campaign garnered support for such student-centered programs and initiatives as the undergraduate research program; the Thomas and Karyn Dingledine Scholarship for Achievement in Academics and Service, which is the first major student recruitment endowment; the Alvin V. Baird Attention and Learning Disabilities Center; the Robert and Frances Plecker Athletic Performance Center; the Morrison-Bruce Center for the Promotion of Physical Activity for Girls and Women; the future expansion of Bridgeforth Stadium; the Gilliam Center for Ethical Business Leadership; and the future Performing Arts Center, for which several major gifts were received. 

"While surpassing an unprecedented fundraising goal in the history of the institution, the comprehensive campaign was equally successful in heightening an understanding of the impact of philanthropy," said Dr. Joanne Carr, senior vice president for university advancement. "Contributors and campaign volunteers have played a major role in fundamentally changing how philanthropy is viewed at JMU. The deeper understanding of the importance of private gift support positions us well for the future." 

"We received support from across the board," said Weston Hatfield, associate vice president for development. "Alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff and even students stepped up to the challenge of our first comprehensive fundraising campaign. People who know JMU believe in it, and this campaign gave them a chance to express their feelings in a new way." 

A comprehensive public university, JMU was established March 14, 1908, and is the only university in America named for James Madison. 

"The capital campaign benefited from strong community support," said Hatfield. "Harrisonburg was our top geographic location for contributions from JMU alumni, parents and friends. Sustained local support is fundamental to our successfully raising private gifts support for JMU. We are very pleased that people from JMU's hometown added greatly to the success of our comprehensive campaign."