Capital Campaign Goal Exceeded with Nearly $30 Million

On August 31, UT Austin successfully concluded its Campaign for Texas, an 8-year fundraising drive with a goal of $3 billion. The most ambitious capital campaign in Texas history, the effort generated over $3.1 billion in outright gifts, pledges, and planned gifts to the university. The School of Architecture exceeded its $21.5-million goal, receiving over $29.7 million in current gifts and future commitments.

The campaign, which began its quiet phase in September 2006, faced challenges from the beginning. Just weeks before its public launch in October 2008, the country's fourth-largest investment bank filed for bankruptcy, triggering a national recession and global financial crisis. Nonetheless, UT leaders were determined to take the long view and moved forward with the campaign as planned.

"The design professions were among the first to feel the effects of the recession," said Dean Fritz Steiner. "Despite this, our work continued, and we made it a priority to visit as many alumni as possible. We always knew that the affinity for the school was there, even when economic circumstances made charitable giving difficult. I'm astounded at the number of alumni and firms that made substantial gifts as soon as their finances allowed. This is a real testament to the strength and generosity of our extended community."

The School of Architecture's official campaign total is $29,726,170. Planned gifts were an especially important component in the UTSOA campaign, comprising 72% or $21.5 million of the total. The School of Architecture also received $4.4 million in outright gifts and $3.9 million in pledges that will be fulfilled by 2018. In all, the school received 5,718 gift commitments from 2,466 unique donors, foundations, and corporations. Nearly 19% of UTSOA alumni participated with at least one gift to the school during the campaign.

During the campaign, donors created 42 new endowments for the School of Architecture. Collectively, these new endowments have a current market value of over $3.54 million, yielding approximately $160,000 in annual income. A majority of the planned gifts are designated for the creation of new endowments, particularly graduate fellowships and faculty endowments.

"Every endowment donor makes a considerable investment in the future of the school," said Luke Dunlap, director of development and external relations. "These funds provide the backbone of support for faculty and student talent and activities that are not covered by state appropriations or the university budget. Moreover, they are held in perpetuity to provide renewable, annual funding and grow over time."

Volunteer leadership was critical to the success of the campaign, with Deedie Rose of Dallas serving as the honorary campaign chair and Rick Archer [B.Arch. '79] chairing the school's campaign committee.

"I'm moved by the outpouring of generosity of our alumni and friends and wish to express my most sincere gratitude to our many donors and volunteers who have made this campaign a success," said the dean. "The outcome of this capital campaign gives me great optimism about the school's future. Thank you."