'Upward & Onward:' $100 Million and Counting

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Posted on April 24, 2017

Bob Lowry

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The University of South Alabama announced today that its “Upward & Onward” fundraising campaign has reached a major milestone, with more than $100 million raised toward the total goal of $150 million.

The Upward & Onward campaign is the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the University’s history. Since the campaign launched four years ago, a total of $100,149,446 has been raised from 33,194 gifts by 23,836 donors. The campaign will conclude in 2020.

“The $100 million milestone highlights the commitments made by tens of thousands of University supporters who embrace the five priorities embodied in the Upward & Onward campaign,” said USA President Dr. Tony Waldrop. “We have accomplished a great deal, and we are counting on our community of alumni, parents and friends to help us build upon this foundation as we aim for our ultimate goal of $150 million.”

Upward & Onward, which takes its name from lyrics in the USA alma mater, is focused on fundraising for the University’s five strategic priorities — Student Access and Success, Enhancement of Research and Graduate Education, Global Engagement, Excellence in Health Care, and University-Community Engagement.

Dr. and Mrs. Steven H. Stokes, co-chairs of Upward & Onward and USA alumni, noted the campaign is on track to reaching the $150 million goal.

“The momentum created by the very successful first public year of the campaign, which ended last October, continues to grow,” said Steven Stokes. “It is heartwarming and exciting to see more and more people enthusiastically support the University of South Alabama.”

One of the highest priorities for the campaign is raising funds for student scholarships. During the campaign, USA has created and enhanced 336 scholarships for students.

“The generosity of our campaign supporters is transforming the educational landscape for our students, integrating new innovations into our health care system and creating opportunities throughout the University that we only dreamed of before now,” said Margaret M. Sullivan, vice president for development and alumni relations.

The largest gift to the campaign, from businessman and longtime USA supporter Abraham “Abe” Mitchell, is a $25 million challenge gift that led to the creation of the University’s Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative. Mitchell, the campaign’s honorary chairman, has been named an honorary USA trustee in recognition of his service to the University.

For information on Upward & Onward, visit www.southalabama.edu/campaign, email campaign@southalabama.edu, or call (251) 460-7032.

About the University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama is a global teaching and research university that provides students with an exceptional education in business, the liberal arts, education, engineering, computing, the sciences and health care. USA’s commitment to student success includes small class sizes and hands-on research opportunities in more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs offered through nine academic colleges and schools. USA also offers advanced and innovative health care through the USA Health System. 

About Upward & Onward: A Campaign for the University of South Alabama

Upward & Onward: A Campaign for the University of South Alabama is a $150 million fundraising campaign that will elevate and accelerate every aspect of USA's mission — education, research, service, health care, economic development, athletics, and the arts and humanities. Our aspirations are bold, but they are within our reach. We intend to achieve our broad vision for the future through five focused priorities that form the components of the Upward & Onward campaign: Student Access and Success; Enhancement of Research and Graduate Education; Global Engagement; Excellence in Health Care; and University-Community Engagement.

About the Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative

At the University of South Alabama’s 50th anniversary celebration, Abraham Mitchell announced the Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative, a $25 million matching challenge to honor the late USA President Emeritus V. Gordon Moulton. Committed to expanding opportunities for current and future USA students by providing them access to an affordable college education, this campaign allows USA to build on its current base of scholarship support. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the University’s future, as it seeks to increase the amount of endowed scholarship funds by $50 million.

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