With a theme of "Investing in our Communities Through Academic Excellence," the campaign has produced more than $6 million in contributions during its "quiet phase," which began last September. Some significant gifts from respected philanthropic donors have pushed the momentum of the campaign to its early success.

Maintaining its continued investment in IUS, the Ogle Foundation has contributed its largest single gift ever—$3.1 million, a portion of which entails matching funds.

In light of the recent success of reciprocity at IUS, a special $1 million endowed scholarship fund is being established specifically for Kentucky students to attend the university. Last fall, more than 800 Kentucky students enrolled at the New Albany campus, many taking advantage of low, in-state tuition rates made available to residents of Jefferson, Bullitt and Oldham counties through reciprocity.

New Albany civic leader Richard Stem, a retired businessman, and his wife, Dorothy, have contributed $500,000 to award annual scholarships in fine arts and in music. Other significant contributions include: $500,000 from Harrison County Community Foundation; $250,000 from Community Foundation of Southern Indiana; $125,000 from an anonymous donor for minority scholarships; and a $1.125 million gift for an endowed faculty chair. Nearly 100 individuals have contributed at least $1,000.

The campaign began more than a year ago when an ad hoc committee within the university determined IUS’ greatest needs and placed a monetary value of $7 million on them. The campaign’s quiet phase was all but that when $5 million was raised by December.

With a goal of $250,000, the campaign’s internal phase, which began two weeks ago, has already generated $160,000 in contributions from administrators, faculty and staff.

F.C. Richardson, IUS chancellor, emphasized the importance of the campaign in boosting the university’s educational endeavors. Technological enhancements, as well as faculty and staff development, are important tools for asserting IUS’ educational mission. Offering endowed scholarships for students ensures a foundation in continually attracting quality students, he said.

"Investing in our Communities Through Academic Excellence" became the most appropriate theme because a majority of IUS graduates live and work within a 50-mile radius of the campus. However, IUS graduates also can be found in all 50 states.

"IUS has a mission focusing on the creation of mind power, brain power and intellectual power," Richardson said.

"We are racing into the 21st century, producing students who will drive the economic vitality of our local communities for generations yet unborn," he said. "To be a great community, we must have a great university."

http://www.indiana.edu/campus/iu-southeast.html