A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
A
s the Make It Real Campaign for VCU comes to an end, I cannot tell you how much your generosity is appreciated. It is clear that VCU’s alumni and friends are committed to our success as a nationally recognized premier public research institution. Now, because of each and every one of you, our future is brighter than ever before. The most ambitious fundraising effort in VCU’s history, the Make It Real Campaign, which spanned July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2020, was created to fund the critical initiatives that will distinguish our university far into the future. The campaign touched every aspect of VCU and VCU Health: students, alumni, faculty and staff, patients, caregivers, researchers, schools, libraries, centers and institutes, athletics and the Richmond, Virginia, community and beyond. Specifically, the campaign focused on fueling growth in three major areas: people, innovations and environments. Through your generosity, we aimed to attract, support and retain the finest students and faculty members through scholarships, professorships and endowed chairs. We wanted to create new interdisciplinary partnerships and centers of excellence to offer students and faculty the best environments for meaningful research and learning experiences. And we sought to provide world-class facilities, equipment and materials to expand the university’s research capacity and to increase the impact of VCU’s community partnerships. I am proud to say that you have helped us accomplish all of this and more. We have surpassed our goal of $750 million, raising more than $841.6 million. Your generosity made this unprecedented feat possible. Your support has transformed this institution in ways we never imagined. This final issue of Impact features just a few examples of the long-lasting changes your generosity has spurred across VCU. And remember, every student, patient, faculty member and community member who was impacted by your giving then goes on to touch so many others. The ripple effects of your philanthropy are endless. Thank you, again, for your dedication to VCU and your support of the Make It Real Campaign for VCU. You are the reason for our success, and your generosity will never be forgotten. Sincerely,
Michael Rao, Ph.D. President, VCU and VCU Health System
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