Health a Focus of UC's Billion-Dollar Campaign

CINCINNATI—The University of Cincinnati's health enterprise takes center stage in the new “Proudly Cincinnati” capital campaign—an effort aimed at raising $1 billion for a number of key initiatives.

Cancer,cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases and neurosciences—all identified as priorities in the College of Medicines strategic planning efforts—will serve as the primary focus for the campaign’s Health in the 21^st Century fundraising efforts.

Research related to trauma, nanomedicine and hearing will also be supported by the campaign.

Distance and experiential learning—educational tools in the colleges of allied health sciences, nursing and pharmacy—are key components of the campaign’s 21^st Century Learning initiative

UC’s capital campaign, originally set for a goal of $800 million, was officially kicked off at an Oct. 25 celebration in Fifth Third Arena.

Like most large-scale campaigns, UC’s began with what’s termed a “quiet phase”—a period of fundraising leading up to the official campaign announcement. UC raised more than $453 million during the quiet campaigning period, giving university leaders a strong indication that reaching beyond the original goal would be possible.

The university announced during its campaign kick-off celebration that it will seek approval from the UC Board of Trustees to change the campaign goal to $1 billion.

“We are committed to an ambitious future and Proudly Cincinnati will truly be a game changer,” said UC President Nancy Zimpher.

David Stern, MD, vice president for health affairs and College of Medicine dean, says the capital campaign will be especially important for UC’s health enterprise.

“A significant portion of the $1 billion raised during this campaign will go towards initiatives at UC’s Academic Health Center,” he says. “Health care is a top priority for people everywhere, and UC is in a position to take its top-notch programs and make them even better.”

The Academic Health Center and its affiliates receive more than $270 million in external research funding in 2007.

Private support sought through UC's capital campaign supports the creation of fellowship positions and endowed chair positions, scholarships and research activity. Key initiatives already supported by gifts given during the quiet phase of the Proudly Cincinnati campaign include:

• The Edith J. Crawley Vision Science Research Laboratory—Edith J. Crawley

• James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy—James L. Winkle

• The Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library—Donald C. Harrison, MD

• The James J. and Joan A. Gardner Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders—James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation

• Wedbush Legacy Center—Jean and Ed Wedbush

Learn more about UC’s capital campaign at uc.edu/proudlycincinnati/.