The University of Alabama (UA) has officially unveiled the “Rising Tide Capital Campaign” to raise $1.5 billion by 2026 to support major campus improvements.
Initially launched privately in 2016, the fundraising initiative will finance more scholarships for students, support faculty research, add and upgrade campus facilities, and improve the university’s athletics program.
Before the campaign’s public phase was announced earlier this month, the institution revealed that more than $940 million had already been raised.
“This campaign will amplify the university’s impact on teaching, research, and service for generations,” UA President Stuart Bell said in a press release. “We are thrilled by what has been accomplished to date and look forward to seeing the direct impact of campaign donations on our students, research efforts, faculty endeavors, local and statewide economies, and much more.”
The university hopes to add over 1,000 scholarships and 75 new faculty endowments by the end of the campaign. UA may also pledge more financial aid to students, but funding may be delayed.
‘Raising the Tide’
In addition to student scholarships, Alabama hopes to increase research with the money. According to Vice President for Advancement, Bob Pierce, UA is currently conducting research on transportation, life research, and water.
“We are putting a lot of emphasis on being able to have a presence in solving the issues that face all of mankind,” he explained. “That is why this campaign will be so transformational. It is going to knock us up a notch without question in that regard,” campaign co-chair Karen Brooks added.
Furthermore, Pierce claims that the fundraising project will prove that UA has become an “incredible institution,” especially in the last 20 years. He believes that the university can continue to “raise the tide” and become even more remarkable.