Private Support Reaches Unprecedented Levels

Prior to the end of the For All We Call Mizzou campaign on December 31, 2008, the University of Missouri surpassed its $1 billion fund-raising goal.  By raising $1.039 billion, MU became the first and only public university in Missouri to raise $1 billion in private support.

The Trulaske College of Business also surpassed its goal of $70 million.  During the campaign, alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and business partners have donated more than $82 million to the college.

Tom O’Neal, executive director of advancement, credits the college’s successful campaign to its dedicated alumni. “The college is fortunate that many of our graduates believe in the mission of the school, want to help the students who have followed them, and thus provide generous support,” O’Neal says. “Clearly, business alumni feel their education and experiences here had a positive impact on their careers and lives, and they want to give back.”

Donations to the university have helped to fund scholarships, named faculty positions, academic programs, and facilities. The college now offers more than $1 million in scholarships and has over 30 endowed faculty positions.

Several academic programs have also been created, such as the Flegel Academy for Aspiring Entrepreneurs, the Cornell Leadership Program, the Jeffrey E. Smith Institute of Real Estate, and the Professional Development Program, which is funded in part by a gift from Bill Caldwell. These programs greatly benefit the educational experience of business and accounting students.

“I thank all of the alumni and business partners who have contributed to the success of this campaign,” says Dean Bruce Walker. “Private support is vital to building and sustaining excellence, especially during today’s challenging financial times.”
Find out more about giving to the Trulaske College of Business, visit business.missouri.edu/giving or contact the Office of Advancement at 573-882-6768.