By Vancouver Sun ,
A campaign by the University of B.C. to raise $1.5 billion by 2015 for aspects of university life not funded by the government is getting close to its goal.
The Start an Evolution campaign, the largest of its kind in Canada, has been targeting philanthropists and UBC alumni to help raise money for the university and has crossed the $1 billion mark, according to a UBC news release Friday.
“I am deeply grateful to our alumni and donor community for their overwhelming support in this campaign,” said UBC president Stephen Toope, in the release.
“Their generosity and involvement is providing more student aid, improving learning environments, and extending the impact of research and community engagement. With their help, UBC can really be a catalyst for change and transformation.”
The campaign also aims to double its active connections with alumni to 50,000 former students.
Robert Lee, who earned a bachelor of commerce and a doctor of law from UBC and chairs the Prospero Group of Companies, is honorary chair of the Start an Evolution Campaign.
“I am thankful to the donors, alumni and everyone who has helped move the campaign forward,” said Lee.
The campaign features hundreds of specific opportunities for involvement and investment at http://www.startanevolution.ubc.ca