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University Advancement kicked off the Power of Possibility: The Annual Campaign for UMass Lowell in September, starting with a segmented direct mail campaign to alumni that highlights the many reasons to give to UMass Lowell.
The 18-month fundraising campaign bridges the gap between the end of the successful Public Higher Education Endowment Investment Program (PHEEIP) campaign that doubled the endowment of UMass Lowell and created more than 120 new endowment funds, and the expected start of a capital campaign in 2011.
“This interim campaign focuses our fundraising efforts on the most vital areas for support,” says Vice Chancellor of University Advancement Beth Shorr. “We look forward to working with alumni, students, parents, faculty and staff to make the case for their financial support. We are a state-assisted institution, but private investment is crucial for us to remain a high quality, accessible option for students.”
The campaign focuses on four areas of support: student scholarships, faculty research, facilities and athletics. Scholarships allow students to take advantage of all the learning opportunities available; faculty research support rewards talented teachers and researchers and helps attract top faculty; facility improvements provide an enhanced learning environment; and gifts to the athletic program’s River Hawks Club, which supports all 16 men’s and women’s varsity teams, builds community.
The campaign’s theme evokes the power of the Merrimack River in illustrating the power of a UMass Lowell education. Says Shorr, “The river is often regarded as a divider between North and South campus. This campaign hopes to show how the river is also a common denominator. The power it generates built the city of Lowell just as it inspires innovation and excitement on both campuses.”
In addition to a case statement, the campaign involves an Alumni Showcase speakers series highlighting the many alumni who return to campus to share wisdom and career stories with the University community (see related story.) The UMass Lowell Fund’s fall campaign also reflects the campaign’s theme, with direct mail pieces segmented to younger alumni, those who have been out longer than 10 years and those celebrating reunions.
For a copy of the campaign’s case statement, contact University Advancement, 978-934-2223 or visit www.uml.edu/advancement/give.