Eastern Michigan University started its first capital campaign in April 2006, with a goal of raising $50 million by April 2013. They have however managed to reach their target already and now plan to finish the campaign in June this year. The campaign went public in 2010, after four years of running privately. Robert Slater, former captain of the schools football team, is the chairman of the campaign. He has also served as the secretary of transport in the past.
The money has been raised through private donations and the various fund-raising activities the school has involved itself with.
The largest single gift made during the campaign was a $3.2 million pledge from the army secretary’s former assistant, William Brehm and his wife Delores. Their donation was used to fund the Delores Soderquist Brehm Center. The Jean Noble Parsons Trust also made a $2.2 million contribution during the campaign period, which was used to create the Jean Noble Center. The center is for science and art programs.
The American Electric Power Foundation also pledged a total of $2.35 million to the school, which was used to buy science equipment.
The money raised will help to fund green programs, the athletic department and scholarships.
