As the Renaissance at Rensselaer Campaign approaches its midpoint, the campaign and its different activities have “broadened.” Since it started on July 1, 2000, the Capital campaign has solicited support from Rensselaer’s alumni, friends, and advocates. The campaign has successfully raised over $655 million from gifts of endowment, which exceeded all previous fundraising. The ultimate goal is $1 billion by December 31, 2008.
With this broadening, a “mini-campaign” took shape with recruited trustees volunteering to support one of four specific fundraising initiatives. Within this campaign, there is one trustee heading each initiative. There are four initiatives: EMPAC, the Biotech Center, athletics, and student support. Those who organized this mini-campaign hope to build and strengthen support from alumni and other friends with the different approach. This structure will “continue to build the momentum of the campaign,” says Terri Cerveny, who is the acting Vice President for Institute Advancement.
Recently, the first newsletter was launched which announced this mini-campaign and those trustees that have generously given gifts to this campaign. The next newsletter will be sent out in February with more updates and information about this Rensselaer campaign.
Those organizing the Renaissance at Rensselaer Campaign continue to find ways to excite individuals who can make a difference. Students have gotten involved through three different clubs. The first and most direct way has been through involvement in RenXchange, where student callers solicit alumni to donate to RPI. The second way students help is through Red and White, the student alumni organization on campus, where students have interacted with alumni in various ways throughout the campaign. The last way is the Student Senate, that has aided by providing input. Institute Advancement believes that students are the best way to represent the Institute to alumni and other friends of RPI.
Those leading the capital campaign are confident of the path they are on, and still expect to meet their goal. Cerveny believes that the campaign is growing and that it will only continue to build energy and excitement.
