The Bicentennial Campaign for Carolina

Posted on Dec. 1, 1991

Under bright Carolina blue skies on the steps of South Building, UNC Chancellor Paul Hardin proudly announced Carolina’s most ambitious fund raising campaign ever — the Bicentennial Campaign for Carolina. Joined by Campaign Chairmen Hugh McColl ’57 and Billy Armfield ’56, members of the Campaign Steering Committee and senior University officials, Hardin revealed that already $155 million of the $320 million goal had been contributed or pledged. Private philanthropy at public universities is of increasing importance. However, as Carolina has now demonstrated for nearly two centuries, money alone does not a great university make.

Many alumni know that while our University, the nation’s first public university, was chartered, opened its doors, and graduated its first class in the 18th century, it was not until 1905 that the first building funded solely by a state appropriation was constructed. While direct state appropriations to Carolina totaled only $17,000 in UNC’s first 74 years, last year state appropriations were $260 million, or nearly 37 percent of our budget.

Under the leadership of Chancellor Emeritus Christopher Fordham ’47, the foundation was built for an expanded fund-raising staff and the careful development of a widely embraced case statement identifying the opportunities and needs as our University approaches its third century. While the campaign’s goal is $320 million, during the development of the case statement the faculty and administration identified a list of needs and wishes totalling $1 billion. Higher education has become very expensive!

With the enthusiasm of Chancellor Hardin, the professionalism of a maturing development staff, the loyalty and strong support of 180,000 Carolina alumni, and the achievement already of nearly one-half of our University’s campaign goal, we can anticipate a resounding and successful conclusion to the Bicentennial Campaign for Carolina when it ends in 1995.

The gala kick-off dinner, expertly coordinated by Anne Wilmoth Cates ’53, was a very memorable occasion (see pages 36-37). The Smith Center, beautifully draped creating a lowe red ceiling, included a stage with a replica of the Old Well. Charles Kuralt ’55 was the evening’s master of ceremonies. The unannounced but very special performance of Chapel Hill native, songwriter and singer, James Taylor, the participation of a professional actors group from New York that included Chapel Hill native Betsy Friday, separate choirs of Carolina students, and a chorus composed of school children from across North Carolina, combined to assure that everyone had “Carolina in My Mind”!

As the campaign’s public phase begins, focusing on the total dollar goal may be unwise. Instead, we should understand that the campaign has targeted specific goals for: 1) student, faculty
and staff support, development, and enrichment; 2) curriculum development; 3) computer and information services; 4) enhancement of the libraries; 5) facilities expansion, renovations, and equipment; and 6) academic and special program grants. And, while six, seven and eight-figure gifts are critical to the success of the campaign, all Carolina alumni and friends of the University —through their annual giving and special bicentennial gifts — are equally important.

As the campaign aggressively reaches out to involve all who care about Carolina, we should remember that these private gifts cannot replace much needed public support from North Carolina taxpayers. Protecting and enhancing our state appropriations must remain a high priority.

Let us not forget the special traditions, qualities, history and mission that sets Carolina apart from so many other fine colleges and universities — public and private — many more handsomely endowed than we, but few that can claim the remarkable stature UNC has earned. As we focus on raising private gifts and protecting and enhancing public grants and appropriations, let us never forget our top priority remains that of educational excellence. What happens in the classrooms and laboratories should always remain our principal focus.

Finally, we should not confuse the Bicentennial Campaign for Carolina with the Bicentennial Observance. We can, we must, and we will be raising money for years to come. We will only once have the opportunity to celebrate the 200th anniversary of public higher education. That grand celebration will commence with University Day 1993, when we will celebrate the traditional laying of the cornerstone of Old East, and will continue through Commencement of 1994. The Bicentennial Observance will provide us with a rich opportunity to deepen our relationships with the people of North Carolina, to whom we are indebted for nearly 200 years of steadfast support.

Yours at Carolina,

 

 

 

Douglas S. Dibbert ’70