Matt Moore
N.C. State joined a group of about 50 universities around the world when its “Achieve!” campaign reached $1 billion Friday.
The occasion was marked with a celebration in the College of Textiles on Centennial Campus, and was attended by Chancellor James L. Oblinger and members of the campaign, as well as guests.
“We are going to be the land grant University that everyone compares themselves to,” Oblinger said.
Although the school has reached this mark, Oblinger emphasized the campaign is not over yet. The “Achieve!” campaign runs until June 30, 2008.
“We’ve got a year and a half to see just how far we can eclipse the billion dollar mark,” said Terry Wood, vice chancellor for University Advancement.
Debbie Griffith with University Public Affairs agreed.
“This marks the $1 billion point, but we’re going to keep going,” she said.
According to Griffith, the campaign really benefits everybody at the University.
Money from the campaign will help the University bolster its scholarships and financial aid, build new academic and athletic facilities and strengthen faculty research and outreach, according to a press release.
Oblinger said the donations show evidence of the confidence others have in everything the University does.
Bob Jordan, former N.C. Lieutenant Governor and member of the campaign’s executive committee said the campaign already had a solid foundation a year ago when it began its public phase of fundraising.
He said the campaign had already surpassed the $750 million original goal at that time.
“I just think this is one of the most exciting and meaningful days in N.C. State history,” said Jordan. “We’ve now stepped into a world-class group.”