'For All We Call Mizzou' campaign at $750 million

By Jaryd Wilson

Published Jan. 19, 2007

The "For All We Call Mizzou" campaign has now reached more than 75 percent of its $1 billion goal.

The campaign, which raises money for students, faculty, programs and facilities, has now accumulated $752.2 million.

MU spokeswoman Katherine Kostiuk said the goal for the end of 2006 was $750 million. The university plans on reaching its goal of $1 billion by December 2008.

Chancellor Brady Deaton was pleased about reaching the 2006 goal.

"Generous gifts to the 'For All We Call Mizzou' campaign help make Mizzou accessible to high-achieving students and make it possible for us to recruit top-notch faculty," Deaton stated in a news release. "We are very grateful to the donors who make this possible and excited to have reached 75 percent of our $1 billion goal."

Director of Development External Relations Beth Hammock said most of the money comes from alumni and friends.

"Many donors choose to give to MU at the end of the year as they complete their financial transactions for the year," Hammock said. "Key donors included Dr. Mark Edward and Theresa Thompson Thoman of Seattle, who gave $2 million to the School of Medicine."

Other recent donors include alumni Bruce Loewenberg, who gave money to the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the men's basketball program, and Tom and Betty Scott of Mission Hills, Kan., who donated $2 million to the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The university plans to use the money for scholarships and to hire faculty.

"Chancellor Deaton's highest priority for the campaign funds is providing more scholarships for students so that we may attract the best students and ensure that students from diverse economic backgrounds are able to attend," Hammock said. "The campaign also is allowing MU to endow faculty positions and that enables us to attract and retain top faculty."

Hammock said campaign funds are also funding new programs and paying for the renovation and construction of facilities.

Kostiuk said 474 new scholarships have been endowed because of the contribution of $165.5 million.

In addition, $59.2 million has opened up 69 new faculty positions, and $358.2 million has been raised to enhance programs and facilities.