For All We Call Mizzou meets $1 billion goal

The university received 139 donations over $1 million.

By Joey Soto

Published Nov. 10, 2008

After eight years, an increased goal and a weak economy, Chancellor Brady Deaton announced Friday that MU's fundraising campaign For All We Call Mizzou surpassed its goal of $1 billion two months ahead of schedule.

"It's fair to say Mizzou is $1 billion better today because of all of you," Deaton said.

The accomplishment originated from a vision Chancellor Emeritus Richard Wallace had nearly a decade ago. The official campaign began in January 2000.

The initial goal of the campaign was set at $600 million. After years of uncertainty, that goal was surpassed in 2005, and the university set its sights on the $1 billion mark.

"I was very nervous we couldn't meet that goal of $600 million," Wallace said. "That was a glorious day when they told me the goal was reached."

Some of the uncertainty revolved around inconsistent economic conditions. Deaton said people's willingness to continue giving despite economic hardships has helped build the spirit of the university.

"It's fabulous. It builds our confidence and demonstrates the loyalty of the alum and the can-do spirit that no matter what we will persevere," he said.

Recent donations by Robert and Sue Weiser for $4.6 million; Harry and Ann Cornell for $2 million; and Ira and Gail Hubble for $1.5 million helped propel MU past its goal.

MU joined a crowd of 19 other programs in the nation to complete at least a $1 billion fundraising campaign.

David Housh, vice chancellor of development and alumni relations, was originally skeptical of taking on his position within the campaign. After doing some research, Housh found that in 1988 the largest donation the university had received was $14,000.

Housh was undoubtedly impressed to see there were 138 separate donations of $1 million or more.

There were many naysayers throughout the campaign, but after "95 months, 7 days and 10 hours" their skepticism ceased, Housh said.

"There were a lot of people that were doubters, but guess what, we did it," Housh said.

UM system President Gary Forsee was on-hand for the celebration and offered a brief word about the accomplishment.

"This is just one more thing to be proud about our university for," Forsee said amidst applause.

Deaton expressed his gratitude toward the three chairmen who helped orchestrate the campaign. Cynthia Brinkley, Larry McMullen and William Thompson all spoke to the crowd at Jesse Hall expressing their sense of accomplishment for the university while outlining what the campaign had accomplished.

Nearly 1,500 scholarships have been made available to students through the campaign, in addition to 86 endowed faculty positions. McMullen believes the two components are the best investment despite the troubling economic struggles.

"Our investment in students is going to reap tremendous rewards," McMullen said.

Brinkley attributed the increase in students interested in MU to the money allocated from the campaign to help improve MU's facilities and programs.

"With record enrollment this year, we believe better facilities played a big role," Brinkley said.

Although the university reached its goal, Deaton does not expect the campaign to end as planned in two months.

"We'll be going into a planning phase which we expect will result in a larger campaign," Deaton said.

Wallace said though he began the project, he does not believe there should be an end to the vision.

"Development is a bit like strategic planning," Wallace said. "It should have a planned beginning but no end."