Development
University Launches $1 Billion Fundraising Campaign
Virginia Tech President Charles Steger recently announced a $1 billion fundraising goal for The Campaign for Virginia Tech: Invent the Future.
The announcement marks a new era in private fundraising for the state’s most comprehensive research university. Virginia Tech’s previous campaign, which concluded in October 1998, raised $337 million.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a part of this effort and has set out to raise $52 million. All of these funds will be directed towards students, faculty, and facilities in the college.
At this time, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ campaign steering committee. These individuals have graciously agreed to give their time to help the college achieve its fundraising goals. The committee is composed of a combination of alumni and industry and academic leaders.
Bill (AG ‘55) and Betty Latham (co-chairs) – Bill and Betty provided leadership gifts for the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center and Latham Hall, a state-of-the-art agriculture and natural resources research facility.
Jim (ANSC ’60, M.S. EXT ’67) and Janet Johnson – Jim served as the director of Virginia Cooperative Extension from 1989 until 1992, and Janet served as the dean of the College of Human Resources and Education from 1996 until 2002.
Dave (ANSC ’61) and Mary Leonard – Dave is the president of Leonard Land and Livestock LLC.
Dr. Ryland (DASC ’58) and Mary Ann Edwards – Ryland and Mary Ann operate the Oaks Veterinary Clinic in Smithfield, Va.
Mike (HORT ’70) and Susie Hildebrand – Mike and Susie are the owners of James River Nursery.
Joe Luter, IV and Frances Luter – While not alumni of the college, Joe and Frances have agreed to help us open doors and provide leadership in securing gifts from other industry leaders in the state.
Fred (IE ’50) and Jane Campbell – In July, Fred Campbell lost his battle with heart disease. Fred was a tireless volunteer and epitomized the ideas of gifts of time and talent. The college’s equine programs have benefited greatly from Fred’s leadership in both his personal support and his ability to use his clout to make things happen.
The committee, together with the college’s professional development team, will work to achieve the college’s campaign goal. During the next four years, hundreds of Hokies will step forward and create a legacy of giving to the college. Because of their generosity, generations of students will get their chance at a world-class education, and have their opportunity to “Invent the Future.”
For more information about the campaign and how you can participate, visit www.givingto.vt.edu.
Garden Gala Nets More Than $13,500
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More than 230 patrons attended the third annual Garden Gala at the Hahn Horticulture Garden in June. Through their generosity, more than $13,500 was raised to support the day-to-day operations of the garden, including student workers, maintenance, plant acquisitions, and new garden features. Attendees enjoyed a lovely evening, complete with beautiful music, delicious food, and twinkling lights. Successful bidders took home art and garden creations, as well as rare and unusual plants and other items. Thanks go out to the many sponsors who made this event a huge success including Strange’s Florists, Greenhouse, and Garden Centers; Lancaster Farms; Aztec Rental; Bennett’s Creek Nursery; The Oaks Veterinary Clinic; James River Nurseries, Inc.; David O. Pippin; Dawn and Gary Lerch; Louis and Ginger Brooking; Southern Landscape Group, Inc.; and Brookmeade Sod Farm, Inc. Make plans to attend next year’s Garden Gala, set for June 14, 2008! More photos can be viewed at www.hort.vt.edu/hhg/gala.html.