The University of Missouri is launching a $2-billion fundraising campaign, which is among the largest campaigns ever undertaken by a U.S. public university.
UM System President Dr. Mun Choi made the announcement Friday afternoon at Brewer fieldhouse in Columbia. He says Mizzou represents the value of a high-quality education:
“I am proud to announce the largest most ambitious philanthropic campaign in our history. A $2-billion effort to elevate Mizzou through all that we do in student success, research and engagement. I am so excited,” Dr. Choi says, to loud applause from supporters.
The campaign is called “Power the Roar” and focuses on five priorities: educating future leaders through the Missouri Method, creating life-saving medicines, leveraging expertise to improve lives, strengthening communities through education and economic development and developing champions on and off the field. The campaign has already raised about $760-million.
The UM System president is encouraging Missourians in all 114 counties to contribute to the campaign, the largest philanthropic campaign in university history. President Choi, who also serves as Mizzou’s chancellor, encourages Mizzou alums and non-alums to donate:
“Over the past ten years Mizzou has contributed so much to the education of the next generation of leaders and research breakthroughs that are celebrated all over this country and all over the world. And they’re also should be very proud of the impact that we’re making through every single county in our state,” President Choi says.
President Choi tells reporters this is a pivotal moment in Mizzou’s history and a generational opportunity to expand the school’s contributions to society. He says the campaign will be donor-driven. The campaign is chaired by attorney and Mizzou graduate Paul Vogel of St. Louis and his wife Lynn Ann.