Thursday, UAB President Ray L. Watts, M.D. and Vice President of Advancement Thomas Brannan announced that the Campaign for UAB has surpassed its $1 billion goal.
The Campaign for UAB is the largest, most comprehensive fundraising effort in UAB’s history.
“This is a landmark accomplishment for UAB, Birmingham and the state of Alabama,” UAB President Watts announced in a letter to donors and alumni. “Overwhelming support and generosity from more than 103,000 donors, including alumni, community partners, faculty, staff, students and many other friends, enabled us to reach — and exceed — our ambitious goal. Together, they helped set records throughout the course of the Campaign.”
“We want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every donor,” President Watts said. “Their gifts already are at work within every pillar of our mission and in every corner of our campus. Bright new facilities are opening doors for education, research and student life. Novel academic programs are attracting students and faculty to handle the challenges of the 21st century. We are accelerating research leading to the development of new technologies and treatments while providing leading-edge patient care. Perhaps most important, the ripple effects of The Campaign for UAB are benefiting our city and state, helping to advance education, health and quality of life, the arts and culture, and the growth of a robust, technology-based economy.”
Dr. Watts also thanked Campaign co-chairs Mike Warren and Johnny Johns, the Board of Trustees, the members of the Campaign Executive Committee and the Leadership Cabinet, and everyone at UAB whose efforts have supported our success.
“Watching our teams connect donors with the programs and projects that spark their passion has been inspiring,” Watts continued. “This $1 billion milestone lays the foundation for UAB’s next 50 years of breakthroughs. As we begin that journey, it also serves as a reminder that, in the words of UAB’s first president, Dr. Joseph Volker, “we would do Birmingham a great disservice if we dream too little dreams.” Our $1 billion success story is proof that UAB, together with our partners, can achieve even the most ambitious goals and make a profound impact on countless lives.”
UAB reports that they have raised $1,002,957,653.
According to the University website, “The reason to give is simple: to make change happen. Our donors give students an avenue to success. They give a researcher a path to a breakthrough. Every gift fuels UAB as it takes steps to change the world.”
UAB is the largest employer in the state of Alabama.
