University of Washington: Creating Futures

EIGHT years ago, members of the University of Washington Husky family set an ambitious goal of raising $2 billion. Helping students pursue their dreams was inspiring, but the looming challenge was set at Olympic pole-vault heights.

How appropriate that a thousand ecstatic UW supporters will gather tonight at Dempsey Indoor, the school's track arena, to celebrate the generosity of donors and tireless work of volunteers who raised $2.68 billion.

All of the numbers associated with Campaign UW: Creating Futures are extraordinary. The University of Washington Foundation not only exceeded its lofty goal by $680 million, but the eight-year effort also attracted 1.2 million gifts from 300,000 donors. A large, generous and caring family, indeed.

Campaign chair William H. Gates Sr. presided over a network of co-chairs and 24 unit campaign chairs. They channeled the enthusiasm of legions of Husky alums who wanted to ensure the traditions of excellence at a world-class educational institution were sustained.

The pillars of this extraordinary campaign were internal and external leadership, humbling generosity and, most important, an exceptional product to promote. UW graduates who understood the importance of a first-class education were willing to invest in creating futures for generations to come.

The generosity of grateful alums are all the more important as the state Legislature wrestles with shrinking revenues and doing more with less.

Tonight's gala event salutes contributors whose Husky pride was converted into opportunities for others. This is a legacy to be celebrated.