£100m
by 2021 The Difference Campaign fundraising target
Dominic Christian (SOC79)
Professor David Richardson
Global Chairman of Aon Reinsurance Solutions Co-Chairman, The Difference Campaign Advisory Board and Chairman, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
I’ve been delighted to help UEA with The Difference Campaign. I couldn’t think of a better way to give back to my alma mater. University life for me was academically undistinguished, socially fantastic and wholly beguiling. Perhaps as important a three years as I have known. By the end of my life at UEA, I had learned, later than many I was close to, the value of focus, attention, commitment and enquiry. I owe a great deal to the University, not just in business but in matters of family and friendship – the things that matter the most. The Advisory Board was stunned to see the £50 million target achieved in 2016, which is why we decided to relaunch with a £100 million target. We were clearly unprepared for your passionate support for students, academic researchers, teaching and the critical global impact that UEA has after 55 years of doing different, excellent, pioneering work. Our supporters come from far and wide. As well as UEA alumni, we count on the generosity of trusts, foundations, charities and others. All of your support is instrumental in the successes mentioned in this magazine.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of East Anglia
So, there we have the first issue of Pioneer. I hope you enjoyed it. While two short words aren’t nearly enough to express my gratitude, I want to say thank you. Your generosity means the world – and I am delighted to say that, including you, The Difference Campaign has been supported by a phenomenal 6,750 individuals from 48 countries. It’s proof that UEA really is a global institution. At its core, philanthropy brings more money into the University to achieve great things that simply wouldn’t be possible without your support. As you’ve read, every penny gets spent where UEA can make the biggest impact on our world through our students, academics and facilities. Over the next 12 months, you will see us expand the work that The Difference Campaign funds in recognition of where the need is greatest, and where we are most able to act. There are a great many challenges to overcome in the year ahead. The higher education sector is under more financial pressure than at any other time. But you are helping us to plan for the future and continue our transformative work unhindered.
And, of course, to the future success of this brilliant institution and its gifted people.
I’ll leave you with those two words again. The ones that both say it all and not nearly enough.
Thank you so very much.
Thank you.
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