The largest fundraising campaign in the history of the University of Indianapolis is entering into its second phase. The university exceeded its first goal and is now increasing the goal for the second phase of the Campaign for the University of Indianapolis.
“Our campaign was originally set at $40 million,” President Robert Manuel said. “We passed that really quickly, so we have extended it now to $75 million so that we can raise money to put it towards scholarship, faculty and innovative ideas and community engagement.”
The fundraising campaign contains four main pillars for what the university wants the money to go toward. Student scholarships, faculty research and project, community transformation and transformational ideas, according to Manuel, are what the university is focused on.
Vice President of University Advancement Christopher Molloy said that all the funding is going to the university and Manuel’s vision for 2030. He said by 2030, the goal is to build the university, the education and the campus community. The money that is being raised for this campaign is coming from many different types of platforms, according to Molloy.
“The money comes from all over the place, with individuals who say they believe in our mission and interested in supporting us,” Manuel said. “Corporations that say they believe in us and want to support us, individuals who leave the university, they say they would have joy after they pass making sure that the work you are doing is continued, as well as a faculty staff campaign.”
Graphic by Tate Jones When the campaign first started, UIndy was only projected to raise about $40 million, according to Molloy.
“There are several reasons why we have done better than expected,” he said. “First, President Manuel has a great vision for the university, our alumni and friends have a good feel of our university and wanting to support them. Lastly, our faculty and staff do an amazing job with their students and families helping them reach their full potential and really creating relationships with them. That inspires for people to give.”
Manuel said the university has been flooded with support from the campus community.
“There were a lot of people who were interested in helping us and support the work that we do, so rather than stop it and start another campaign,” Manuel said. “We thought that starting a phase two would be better.”
This five-year campaign will be extended to end in December of 2022 with the hope that it will reach the goal of $75 million, according to Molloy.
