Heading For The Finish Line: The Campaign For Central Reaches Target Early

June 2, 2008

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Central Washington University hit a major milestone as it reached its goal of raising $21 million for scholarships, faculty enhancement and academic programs in the university's first, comprehensive campaign. "The Campaign for Central Washington University Transforming Lives" not only reached its target goal in less than three years, one full month before the campaign is set to wrap up, but the current sum also surpasses the initial goal of $18 million set at the formal campaign launch in 2005.

As Central's first comprehensive giving campaign nears an end, the impact of "Transforming Lives" is already being felt. Since the campaign began, Central has increased endowment levels by $5 million and the number of endowments by about 130 percent. Planned gift expectancies have increased more than $13 million, with much of that going directly to scholarships for students. More than 8,000 donors have contributed to the historic campaign at Central.

Grateful for the generosity of the donors and the spirit in which they've given, CWU President Jerilyn S. McIntyre says, "Achieving this goal is an historic moment for Central. Reaching this milestone couldn't have happened without the support and imagination of current and former trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, administration, parents and friends who embraced the campaign and because they truly believe in the spirit of Central and its power to transform lives."

McIntyre also acknowledges the commitment and dedication of two distinguished alumni, Christine Day, a Seattle businesswoman, and David Coffman, a Spokane businessman, who led the effort by serving as campaign co-chairs.

"It's a great accomplishment to be able to say that we reached our goal and we reached it early," explains Jen Gray, assistant vice president for development. "But we're not finished yet. We have one month left in this campaign. We're extremely proud of everyone's efforts to help us achieve such an ambitious goal. Now we want to go beyond it."

Central's "Transforming Lives" campaign began quietly in 2005. With the Crimson and Black Gala and a case statement and video outlining the campaign, the public phase of the campaign kicked off in October 2007. The campaign goal was revised to raise a total of $21 million at the end of the three-year period. Conversations with many graduates led Central to focus on four themes throughout the campaign-excellence, opportunity, innovation and the personal touch-all of which are common experiences shared by alumni when talking about their Central memories.

"Central continues to make its mark in an era filled with unprecedented opportunities and challenges," says McIntyre, who believes the extraordinary generosity of Central alumni and other contributors reflects the importance of the role Central has played in their lives. "It also shows that we're all a part of an institution that's committed to providing that same opportunity for the leaders of tomorrow."

Central's first comprehensive campaign officially ends June 30, 2008. More information on how to be a part of "Transforming Lives" is at www.mycentral.cwu.edu.

For all who have already taken part in this inaugural campaign, McIntyre concludes, "Your faith in our mission is an incredible gift in itself. We are inspired by your commitment, and are, indeed, transformed by your enthusiasm, altruism and grace. Thank you for helping us make history at Central."

Media Contact: Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, olint@cwu.edu, 509-963-1416

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.