"For Iowa, forever more"—judging by figures announced last week in the University of Iowa Foundation’s fiscal 2015 annual report, UI alumni and friends have taken this pledge to heart.

By the end of June, more than 183,000 donors had contributed almost $1.5 billion toward the foundation’s $1.7 billion comprehensive campaign goal, and that progress has continued since the close of the fiscal year.

As of today, 188,111 donors have lent their support, giving $1.57 billion, or 92 percent of the goal. These gifts include:

• $259 million for students, including scholarships, research experience, and more
• $154 million for faculty, e.g., endowed chairs and professorships, development opportunities, etc.
• $428 million toward programs in research, health, diversity, sustainability, and other areas
• $154 million toward facilities, including new campus landmarks slated to open over the next year
• $316 million in core support
• $264 million in charitable grants or gifts made directly to the university

Just over a year remains until the campaign’s December 2016 conclusion. For Iowa. Forever More: The Campaign for the University of Iowa is the largest fund-raising initiative in the state of Iowa’s history and among the most ambitious efforts currently underway in higher education.

I’m grateful to each and every donor, including many, many UI faculty and staff members. I also commend UI Foundation staff and people throughout the university community who are helping to convey the power of philanthropy.

Donors give because they care about UI people and programs, knowing that the foundation and the university use their gifts wisely. The 2014 Council for Aid to Education rankings put the University of Iowa in the nation’s top 4 percent for fund-raising productivity and the top 7 percent for endowment market value.

Visit the foundation’s annual report for stories from donors and gift recipients, and please consider lending your support.

Jean Robillard, M.D.
Interim President
Vice President for Medical Affairs