The University of Toledo Foundation : The Time Is Now—To Celebrate UT’s $100 Million Campaign

When The University of Toledo entered a capital campaign in 1993, its goal of raising $40 million seemed a formidable task. Some years later, when UT embarked on its newest major fund-raising campaign, many thought even $60 million may be an ambitious goal.

At this campaign’s conclusion, marked with a victory celebration on Sept. 26 at the newly renovated Memorial Field House, the commitment of the University’s alumni and friends was made clear: The Time Is Now Campaign exceeded its $100 million goal, raising a total of $106.2 million.

The successful campaign is the largest in UT’s history, according to Vern Snyder, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “This outstanding accomplishment is the result of tireless efforts by UT faculty, staff and volunteers, combined with the great generosity of thousands of donors who believe in the University’s mission,” said Mr. Snyder.

Leadership gifts included:

• $15 million, the largest gift in UT’s history, from Marvin and Judy Herb and their sons Jon and Tom, for the Judith Herb College of Education
• The largest gift ever to UT’s Intercollegiate Athletics, from Chuck and Jackie Sullivan, to support renovations to Savage Hall and scholarships
• A major gift from George Isaac, to create the Isaac Minimally Invasive Surgery Center
• A transformational gift from Alfred and Adela Mundt for the cardiology department
• An endowment from Joan and Dr. Julius Jacobson II for collaborative research between UT’s campuses
• The creation of an endowed chair in finance and the Neff Trading Floor, from John and Lilli Neff
• A bequest from Dr. Edward Shapiro, to establish scholarship programs and the Shapiro Lecture Series
• A leadership gift to the College of Business, by Savage & Associates, for the Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement
• An unrestricted gift from Samuel Carson

In addition, Mr. Snyder said, 24 gifts of $1 million or more added nearly $50 million toward the campaign. And though major gifts obviously helped UT reach its goal, he noted that each and every gift was appreciated and important.

Mr. Snyder said contributions were targeted for a wide array of needs and opportunities across all of UT’s campuses, including scholarships, endowed chairs, professorships and facilities. Gifts were made in the form of cash, trusts and bequests. “Our donors gave a great deal of consideration to the amount of their contributions, and were equally thoughtful in choosing the purpose and giving vehicle that best suited their circumstances and goals.”

Though the campaign goal has been attained, there is more to do, as the needs of the University continue to grow, Mr. Snyder emphasized.

The campaign’s real success will be made evident for generations. “The programs, services and facilities supported by this campaign will have a lasting impact on The University of Toledo community,” he said. “The Time Is Now may have been our campaign motto, but The Times Look Brighter could be a fitting motto for our future.”

“The success of this campaign illustrates perfectly the momentum of The University of Toledo,” said President Lloyd Jacobs. “Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, donors and friends, the University is well positioned in its role as a transformative force for the world.”