Stanford University kicked off the public phase of a $4.3-billion fund-raising campaign last week, the largest such drive in higher education. Stanford’s campaign is seeking to raise $300-million more than the $4-billion effort announced by Columbia University last month.
The five-year campaign, named “The Stanford Challenge,” has already collected $2.19-billion during a two-year quiet phase.
Officials want to use the money in three broad areas:
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$1.4-billion for multidisciplinary efforts to “seek solutions to the century’s most pressing global challenges,” including support for three new research programs that focus on human health, environmental sustainability, and international peace and security. Those programs were begun as a result of a six-year study in which faculty members and administrators identified areas of existing strength with the biggest potential for breakthroughs.
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$1.175-billion for efforts by scholars to enhance the education of future leaders by improving elementary and secondary schools, and for strengthening undergraduate and graduate programs and engaging students in the arts through exhibitions, performances, and research.
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$1.725-billion for strengthening the university’s academic endeavors through annual giving and support for teaching, research, and facilities.
John L. Hennessy, Stanford’s president, said that “the scope and complexity of social and scientific challenges has grown immensely in recent decades,” and that “universities are uniquely positioned to address these complexities.”
http://chronicle.com Section: Money & Management Volume 53, Issue 9, Page A35