Campaign goal increased to $2.5 billion

To enhance our leadership today to benefit America and the world tomorrow

With unprecedented support from our alumni, parents and friends, Leading Together: The Campaign for Washington University will reach its minimum goal of $2.2 billion about two years ahead of the target date of June 30, 2018. The campaign total reached $2.12 billion as of December 31, 2015.

The Board of Trustees voted to increase the campaign goal to $2.5 billion in fall 2015. The new goal was announced to the public on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016.

“Over the next 26 months, we have an opportunity to advance Washington University as a leading global resource for education, research, patient care and public service.”

Campaign Chair Andy Taylor & Chancellor Mark S.<br /> Wrighton

From the beginning of the campaign, we have identified $4 billion as the total needed to fully realize the university’s strategic plans for the future. Meeting the new goal will enable the university to have even greater impact on our community, our nation and our global society.

Over the next 26 months, we have an opportunity to advance Washington University as a leading global resource for education, research, patient care and public service. By building on the achievements already made possible by Leading Together, we will increase our contributions to preparing the leaders of tomorrow, advancing human health, inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhancing the quality of life for all.

We are profoundly grateful to the more than 120,000 alumni, parents and friends who have participated in Leading Together so far, including hundreds of volunteers in St. Louis and in cities across the United States and worldwide. Their generosity and enthusiasm are an inspiration to the entire university community, and we encourage all of our alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends to join us.

A lasting impact on St. Louis and the world

Great research universities and academic medical centers are shaping the future of our world today. Individuals and organizations all over America and around the world are investing in a St. Louis­ institution because Washington University delivers the best possible return on philanthropic investment — and few institutions deliver more significant, critical contributions to the future of humankind than Washington University. For ­example:

• Washington University School of Medicine is leading innovative research to understand the genetic origins of diseases ranging from cancer and diabetes to autism and Alzheimer’s, with the aim of developing more effective diagnoses and treatments.

• The Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine has earned the highest possible rating — “exceptional” — from the National Cancer Institute. The center serves nearly 9,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients each year.

• As the top-ranked school of social work in the nation, the Brown School is an international leader in policy and procedures addressing ­challenges from poverty to productive aging.

• The Institute for Public Health harnesses the multidisciplinary strengths of Washington ­University to address complex health issues ­facing St. Louis and communities worldwide.

• Each year, Washington University physicians provide clinical care to nearly 500,000 children and adults at 49 clinical sites across the St. Louis metropolitan area.

• Research initiatives across the university are ­laying the scientific groundwork to help meet the global need for clean, abundant and economical energy.

• Washington University was one of the founders of the Cortex Innovation Community in midtown St. Louis, which so far has attracted more than $550 million in investment and generated more than 3,600 permanent jobs in the Cortex District. In the last 48 months, Cortex development resulted in an additional $500 million in private investment and development in 20 surrounding neighborhood projects.

• Washington University collaborates with 29 ­leading institutions worldwide to educate future leaders and address global challenges such as ­energy and sustainability, public health, education and international understanding. These efforts are carried out through the ­McDonnell ­International Scholars Academy, which is ­celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Chancellor Wrighton says, “Our alumni and friends have worked together to make Washington University a world-renowned center of learning and discovery. Their generosity will have a lasting impact — on human health, on a sustainable environment, on economic prosperity, on quality of life and on the young people who will lead our society in the future. Together, we will build on our accomplishments to contribute even more to our community, our nation and our world.”

Susan Caine is executive director of Development Communications.

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