Exponential Success

Gene Johnson, chair of the Exponential Campaign, kicked off the $200 million fundraising drive as part of the University’s 70th anniversary celebration in the Popp Martin Student Union.

Campaign Surpasses Goal

BY JENNIFER HOWE

Thanks to the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, friends and corporate partners, Exponential: The Campaign for UNC Charlotte concluded successfully, surpassing its $200 million goal. Exponential, the largest campaign in the history of UNC Charlotte, celebrated the dramatic trajectory of growth of UNC Charlotte and its 147,000 alumni. Born of one era and reshaping another, since its founding in 1946 UNC Charlotte has transformed from a night school serving World War II veterans into North Carolina’s urban research university.

Exponential has invigorated UNC Charlotte by providing scholarships and resources to students, research opportunities to faculty and reaffirming the University’s position as an economic engine for the Charlotte region. Focusing on the pillars of opportunity, resources, talent and impact; to support, promote and motivate student and faculty success, the campaign offered everyone—alumni, business leaders and the University community—the opportunity to shape a future more exciting than UNC Charlotte’s past.

“To say that this has been a successful campaign would be a huge understatement,” said Gene Johnson ’73 chair of Exponential. “As always at UNC Charlotte, we have received important support from our community, both corporate and individual. I am proud of the thousands who supported this campaign and of their commitment to UNC Charlotte.”

Gifts of all sizes contributed to the success of Exponential, from transformational ones to those creating lasting endowments to ongoing, loyal annual gifts. Niner Nation came together to make history and give back to the University that has helped thousands of students and faculty realize their dreams and improve our community and world. “I am very proud of the great success we have achieved with Exponential to

Demond ’97 and Kia ’98 Martin, center, are longtime UNC Charlotte supporters; here they celebrate with a group of Martin Scholars. enhance the experiences of our students and strengthen our academic programs,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “The tremendous support, commitment and generosity from UNC Charlotte’s alumni, faculty, staff and friends will ensure a brighter future for UNC Charlotte.” The University’s students have been the biggest beneficiaries of the campaign’s success. More than 200 scholarships were created during Exponential, including the Albert, Martin, Johnson and Freeman Scholars programs, along with the Levine Scholars program expansion. “While the scholarship money matters, the transformational impact of these merit scholars programs goes far beyond that,” said Malin Pereira, executive director of the Honors College. “These merit scholars are invited to dream beyond anything they ever imagined for themselves, and they see other honors students and merit scholars experiencing the same transformation.” Tyler Milkey, a first-year special education major from Sylva, North Carolina, is honored to be among the first Johnson Scholars. The scholarship, which has removed a portion of the financial burden of college life, allows him more freedom to learn about himself and focus on academics. “Being part of the first Johnson Scholars class means the world to me,” said Milkey. “This also means that while I am on campus, I represent more than just myself. I am representing this wonderful family and their legacy, too.” 49er Athletics played a major role in the success of Exponential, raising the support needed to operate the University’s expanding athletics program, including scholarship funds, and building and enhancing facilities to benefit both student-athletes and fans. It has helped ensure student-athletes’ success on the field, in the classroom and in their future careers through leadership training, mental health, nutrition and strength and conditioning initiatives.

“As we accelerate our competitive rise, the support of our donors is absolutely crucial,” said Mike Hill, director of 49er Athletics. “Niner Nation has responded to the challenge with remarkable generosity, underscoring our commitment to deliver a championship program to enhance this wonderful university as it continues its ascent.” As a result of Niners’ support for Exponential, UNC Charlotte now has 11 notable spaces on campus named for alumni, including the Hauser Alumni Pavilion, Hunter and Stephanie Edwards Promenade, Johnson Band Center, Jamil Niner Student Pantry, Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Service, Niblock Student Center, Cpl. Robert Qutub USMC Veterans Lounge and the Cato College of Education. “One of the most important elements of Exponential has been the support of our alumni, who have clearly shown that they are now in a position to ‘take ownership’ of their alma mater,” said Johnson.

Exponential kicked off in September 2016 as part of UNC Charlotte’s 70th anniversary celebration with the naming of the Popp Martin Student Union, thanks to generous gifts from Karen A. Popp ’80 and Demond T. Martin ’97.

“UNC Charlotte is truly a success story of American higher education,” said Dubois. “The achievements of Exponential are a reflection of the way alumni, friends, the business community and all of our constituencies view UNC Charlotte as essential to the future success of the city, state and region.” (As the time of publication, fundraising totals were still being calculated. Additional information about the success and impact of the Exponential Campaign is forthcoming).

Jennifer Howe is the divisional communicator for University Advancement.

Thank you to the Exponential Campaign Executive Committee:

Tim Belk, honorary co-chair; Leon and Sandra Levine, honorary co-chairs; Gene Johnson ’73, chair; Dennis Bunker III ’81; Mark Doughton ’80; Dhiaa Jamil ’78; Fred Klein; Jeffrey Leak; Joe Price ’83; and Ruth Shaw.