Last Thursday, AU began a $200 million fundraising campaign at the Ritz Carlton in Dupont. The campaign was the beginning of a three-day Homecoming and reunion weekend, where more than 800 alums returned; more than tripling last year's attendance. Both the fundraising campaign and Homecoming attendance were record-breaking events. The two events are also the kickoff to achieving the first (and most crucial) part of President Benjamin Ladner's 15-point vision for AU to "undertake and complete the largest and most successful fundraising campaign in AU history."
The Eagle is very happy to see that President Ladner, alums, donors and others are giving so much to make our school better. So far, $62 million has been raised, which includes a generous $15 million donation by Arlene and Bob Kogod. The administration hopes to raise the remaining $138 million within the next seven years.
Some highlights of the $200 million goal include a $25 million endowment for 5,000 students, $35 million for the arts, $20 million for academics, $5 million for the library and $20 million for WAMU. Many alums who came to visit have said that the school looks much better than it did when they attended. The donations and compliments are testaments to the hard work students put in and a responsive administration.
It is very exciting to know that in the coming years, more money will go to remedying the current problems and deficiencies of our school. Hopefully, we will be able to bring big bands to campus (see next editorial), have faster internet connections (see bottom editorial), better professors, a higher quality of education and extended financial aid benefits. More money (and the responsible and thoughtful use of it) will go toward improving all of these things.
The only thing that The Eagle questions is the $20 million donation to WAMU. While we understand its importance as National Public Radio's flagship station in D.C., we also wonder why it deserves the same amount of money as academics. We also question how valuable WAMU is in promoting AU and integrating itself into the AU community. Perhaps we are wrong, but it doesn't seem like many students are aware of WAMU or care much about it. Nonetheless, there is an academic benefit to WAMU (however big or small) and it should not be discounted.
The improvement of our school is a benefit for everyone, from the professors and students we attract, to the environment we create and the programming we receive. Any fundraising campaign that begins with $62 million (and is sure to increase as the school improves) is good news in our book.
