Long-range planning guides UNI Foundation goals

For the year 1999-2000, total fund-raising and investments for the UNI Foundation were approximately $23 million and foundation endowments increased by $4 million to a total of nearly $40 million, according to William Calhoun, vice president of university advancement.

"UNI has the highest alumni giving rate of any of Iowa's public universities and higher than most other public universities," UNI President Robert Koob says. "The hard work of the UNI Foundation to increase the size of the gifts from alumni and friends is paying off. Clearly the beneficiaries of this effort will be UNI's students."

Partnership aids success

The increase can be attributed to the partnership of the Foundation and UNI in long-range planning and shared goals, according to Sally (Carbaugh) Frudden '55, chair of the Foundation's long-range planning committee.

"It's all in our mission statement," Frudden says. "It is the mission of the UNI Foundation to sustain, grow and promote the University of Northern Iowa to be the nation's finest comprehensive university, known for high quality learning environments and a genuine sense of community."

The committee meets twice a year and through several retreats has discovered the strengths of both the Foundation and administration on which to build its strategy.

"First, the University has a very competent and professional staff in the development office," Frudden explains. "Then, the Foundation has a very committed group of trustees, who are willing to take a very active role in the success of UNI."

Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Edward Gallagher expands on this partnership concept. "It is a real thrill to serve on the Foundation Board," he says. "Our board is made up of extremely talented men and women who are dedicated to the goals and objectives of the University. We have an excellent staff of dedicated people."

"Since I have been on the board, I have seen the completion of many projects, including the Performing Arts Center, " Gallagher continues. "The Foundation recently sponsored the Early Childhood Education Center, which will be on the campus of Allen Hospital. It is an outstanding example of a partnership with other entities to fill the definite need in the area of early childhood development."

"We are now engaged in the second phase of our 'Students First' campaign, which would include funds for the early childhood center, a new basketball arena and other projects approved by the administration," he adds. "We on the Foundation Board are grateful for the support of an excellent staff and the administration of the University. The Foundation will continue to help make things happen at the University of Northern Iowa."