THE DEAN'S MESSAGE

Brilliant Futures Campaign Charges Forward

Dear Friends of LAS,

Together, and perhaps more than ever, Americans have felt the pains that have accompanied the nation’s current economic crisis. Yet, together, more than ever, the LAS community has come together in strengthening the College’s Brilliant Futures campaign. Thanks to gifts of support from our dedicated and generous donors, we have continued to charge forward and with clear purpose.

Dean Dwight A. McBride

The Brilliant Futures Campaign began its silent phase on July 1, 2003 and kicked off its public campaign on June 1, 2007. As of December 31, 2008, the Brilliant Futures campaign totals reflect a gift commitment of $29,798,586 to the College. This represents approximately 48 percent of our LAS campaign goal of $61,290,000.

This total breaks down to $12,652,888 in endowment giving (funds that are invested to generate interest for continuing use) and $16,145,698 in current-use giving, money that is immediately available for use.

As of December 31, 2008, gifts for fiscal year 2009 have totaled $1,690,661. This places us more than $500,000 ahead of last year’s gift total for the same time period.

This support allows us to provide scholarships to more and more LAS students in need, to provide research opportunities for undergraduates that bring their textbooks to life and to poise them for advanced degrees, to foster interdisciplinary and collaborative relationships amongst faculty in new and exciting ways. What Your Dollars Can Do in LAS shows just how gifts—small and large—combine to create powerful programs throughout LAS.

This, however, is just a small glimpse of how the College can forge brilliant futures for its students and faculty. We invite our readers to learn more about the stellar advancement work of the College by perusing through the pages of this first edition of Milestones. Learn more about the vibrant achievements of our faculty and students by reading AtLAS and its electronic cousin, e-AtLAS.

Let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you.

Warm regards,

Dwight A. McBride
Dean