The Ƶ community came together in Chicago on April 10 to celebrate the launch of the Ƶ LEADS Campaign, the university's historic and ambitious fundraising campaign.
Nearly 120 Ƶ alumni, parents and friends gathered in Chicago on Wednesday, April 10, for a special Evening for Ƶ in Chicago. This night kicked off a series of regional events that will celebrate .
Adler Planetarium, America’s first planetarium, served as the venue and provided a stunning backdrop for President Connie Ledoux Book’s remarks about the Ƶ LEADS Campaign.
The event honored the past and celebrated the future of Ƶ, as Vice President for University Advancement Jim Piatt discussed Ƶ’s founding and how leadership has propelled the university forward through its history.
"Ƶ was a different place 75 years ago, but what our community valued then has remained today," said President Book, following the theme of the night. "Ƶ is a place where students and alumni see beyond their own needs, a place with people who do the hard work with passion and compassion, a place where we uplift one another and a place where you learn to do what you can to support others."
Through Ƶ LEADS, donors will build on Ƶ’s position as a leader in higher education by investing in graduates the world needs, engaged learning, mentors who matter and the university’s iconic learning environment.
President Book took a moment during her remarks to thank attendees Bill and Kristy Woolfolk P'17 for making a campaign commitment to establish an endowed scholarship for study abroad. Their generosity will provide opportunities for many Ƶ students who wish to become global citizens and immerse themselves in experiences abroad.
“With a goal of raising $250 million, the Ƶ LEADS Campaign is the most ambitious campaign in our history,” said Brian Feeley ’03, senior director of alumni engagement and annual giving. “Attending these events with the Ƶ community assures me that our alumni, parents and friends are passionate about supporting the future of Ƶ.”
about the campaign and experience Ƶ LEADS at an event near you.
Dates and locations include:
- Ƶ LEADS in Los Angeles
June 12, 2019
- Ƶ LEADS in New York
Sept. 5, 2019
- Ƶ LEADS in Washington D.C.
Sept. 18, 2019
- Ƶ LEADS in Boston
Oct. 2, 2019
- Ƶ LEADS in Charlotte
Oct. 17, 2019
- Ƶ LEADS in Raleigh
Dec. 4, 2019