Today, the University of Washington’s philanthropic campaign – Be Boundless – For Washington, For the World – passed a historic milestone. We met the campaign’s goal two years ahead of schedule thanks to the extraordinary generosity of more than 380,000 donors — including many in our own UW community — and through the collaboration of so many of our faculty, staff, alumni and students. I’m especially grateful to our academic and administrative leaders whose tireless efforts help make this a university so worthy of philanthropic support and investment.
Special thanks are due to our campaign co-chairs Susan Brotman, Bob Flowers, Micki Flowers, Jodi Green, Mike Halperin and Janet Smith, and honorary chairs Bill Gates Sr. and Mimi Gates, along with the many volunteers, deans and faculty who are leading campaign efforts for colleges, schools and departments. Their vision and dedication inspired this outpouring of support.
This is a significant milestone in a campaign supported by people all around the world. Nearly 70 percent of donors gave below $500 – a testament to the broad base of support for our students, faculty and staff. Their investments are enhancing the excellence and affordability of a UW education, the high quality of our research, scholarship and patient care, and the impact of our service in communities big and small.
Looking ahead, the campaign will continue through 2020 as planned, with a focus on investments in people, including scholarships, fellowships and financial aid for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as support for the work of faculty, staff and clinicians as they advance our public mission. By giving through the University of Washington, our donors channel their generosity into enormous positive impact – for Washington and the world. We are honored to partner with all 380,000 of you – and we cannot thank you enough.