Alumni and Friends Remain True to Rice: Challenging Times Do Not Halt Campaign Efforts

We are almost within sight of the goal for the Rice: The Next Century Campaign, even if our fundraising efforts have been slowed by events that could not have been anticipated when the campaign was launched. In spite of tough economic times, we have absolutely no doubt we will reach our $500 million goal.

J. D. Bucky Allshouse ’71 and D. Kent Anderson ’62 - Campaign co-chairs

What will it take? Sustained efforts from alumni, friends, faculty, and staff committed to this highly worthwhile cause. And success in the campaign is particularly important now, when Rice has seen some erosion of its endowment.

Rice relies heavily on its endowment, which currently supports 73 percent of the university’s core budget. Spending from the endowment has decreased approximately 10 percent since June 30, 2000, when the endowment reached its highest year-end value.

With the endowment down, the importance of gift support is heightened as we compete for the best and brightest students with undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships, as well as attract and retain the most acclaimed faculty with excellent research facilities and teaching opportunities. There is no question that the challenges we face are tough, but the Rice standards of excellence remain strong.

To our donors, we ask that you reconsider your prior commitments and make increased gifts and pledges. For those of you who have not yet supported the campaign, please join the effort. This is the time to turn interest into action, no matter what the amount. Many needs are yet to be fulfilled, with naming opportunities still available.

Both of us have personally witnessed how the campaign has enhanced the university, and we are completely confident that it will continue to do so. Let’s all make sure that we achieve our goal. Our thanks to all of you.