UA Reaches $1 Billion Goal

By Jeff SmithThe Morning News
FAYETTEVILLE -- The University of Arkansas reached its $1 billion fund-raising goal Wednesday thanks to a gift by Tyson.The Tyson Foods Foundation donated $12.5 million to bring the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century total to $1.03 billion.University officials expect to announce more major gifts before the campaign officially ends a week from today."It's a great victory, and a great day for the university," said Dave Gearhart, the UA's chief fund-raiser.

The university celebrated the milestone with a tailgate party in the middle of Maple Street. A large banner that reads, "Thanks a Billion" hung in the backdrop on University House, which contains the UA fund-raising offices.UA System President Alan Sugg compared the day to the opening of Old Main to classes in 1875. Both the campaign and the beginning of the university required vision and faith in the future, he said.UA Chancellor John White said most of the success of the campaign will come to fruition in years to come.

Full Story: http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2005/06/23/front/01fzuacampaign.txt