Volume 3 | Issue 2
Summer
2011
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Chancellor's Blog
Read the news: UNC attracts $277 million in gifts during fiscal 2011
Chancellor’s Message
Still up to the challenge
Chancellor Holden Thorp
You gave $277 million in private gifts in fiscal year 2011, which ended June 30. This marked the second highest annual total for gifts in our history. Including pledges, you gave $305.6 million. Both totals topped the year before, up 3.3 percent in gifts and 5 percent in commitments. We had more than 77,000 donors.
These would be great numbers in any year. Given the economy’s continued struggles, they’re extraordinary. And so while we’re always grateful for your generosity, we’re even more so this year.
North Carolina legislators continue to face difficult budget decisions. The General Assembly passed, by necessity, an austere budget for the current fiscal year. Higher education wasn’t spared. Here in Chapel Hill, we took an overall permanent cut in state appropriations that totals 17.9 percent, or more than $100 million. We’re fortunate in that the cut will be partially offset by $20 million transferred from UNC Health Care to help the University and our School of Medicine absorb the reduction. We can thank Bill Roper, dean of the School of Medicine and CEO of UNC Health Care, and the health care executive board for approving the transfer. UNC Health Care annually transfers funds to the School of Medicine for mission, academic and clinical support.
But even with the transfer, we’ll be forced to increase class sizes and eliminate programs. I pledge that we’ll do everything we can to minimize the impact of these latest cuts on our core mission—the education of our students.
Meanwhile, our fundraising success serves as a tremendous vote of confidence in the work of our students, faculty and staff. Despite the tough times, they continue to do great things, thanks in large part to you and your belief in them. Your support sustains and inspires.
We’re forever grateful.
Hark the Sound