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N.C. A&T Fund Drive Proving 'Very Effective'

By Chris Wallace

North Carolina A&T State University kicked off the public phase of its capital campaign last Oct. 9 in hopes of raising $100 million within five years. Eight months later, the university says it�s �right on schedule.�

According to Michael Magoon, associate vice chancellor for development and university relations, the Aggies have already raised nearly $45 million.

�Our fund-raising efforts have been very effective,� said Magoon. �We have about five years to raise $100 million, and we�re currently at $44.8 million in cash, pledges and estate gifts. We�re right on schedule.�

The N.C. A&T University Foundation, Inc., which helps supports the university, had a dramatic increase in its cash and cash-equivalent assets between 2001 and 2002. On June 30, 2001, those assets stood at $275,171; on June 30, 2002, they increased to $460,484. The foundation�s contributions are only part of the fund-raising campaign.

Under a �silent phase� campaign that started in 1999, A&T has received major gifts from alumni.

�We�ve gotten two $1 million plan gifts from our graduates, Mr. Waddell �Wally� Pearson and Dr. Velma Speight-Buford, that they made through their estate planning,� said Magoon. �Ford Motor Co. is still our largest donor, which is a $3 million gift.�

A&T officials say they feel confident that they when the campaign ends on Dec. 31, 2007, they will have exceeded their goal.

Chris Wallace is a student at North Carolina A&T State University.

Posted June 19, 2003