The Road Ahead: A Message from the President

Dear Friends:

As we enter into our final steps of the journey towards the completion of the Because Furman Matters campaign, I am pleased to report that Furman is indeed poised to step out of the ordinary, and to realize its historic mission in new and exciting ways.

Much of this is being driven by the development of a strategic plan that has engaged the campus community, alumni, parents and friends in broadly inclusive and frank discussions about Furman’s values, identity and, perhaps most importantly, its aspirations. Two years ago, the Strategic Planning Committee issued a Preliminary Report suggesting directions in four critical areas:

$45
million

Strengthening Academic Support and Access to the Furman Experience

$20
million

Transforming the Student Experience: Educating for Character

$20
million

Renewing Excellence in Intercollegiate Athletics

$15
million

Uniting with the Community

The Preliminary Report candidly asserts, “Without money, there is no mission. Without mission, there is no money.” This statement clearly underscores the pressing need to complete the historic $400 million Because Furman Matters capital campaign, which now stands at more than $381.1 million in commitments. Coinciding with my appointment, Furman’s Board of Trustees voted to extend the campaign through 2013 to ensure that we achieve the final $100 million—and exceed it.

Since the capital campaign’s public launch in 2007, we have been focused on strengthening our endowment, and we have been successful in doing so. We will continue to pursue this goal in this final phase, but we also have sharpened our fundraising priorities to bring them into closer alignment with the emerging strategic plan.

My hope is that you will find that the opportunities presented in these pages for meaningful involvement in the life of the University will resonate with you, and provide an impetus for your participation in this historic campaign.

Sincerely,

Rodney A. Smolla