Letter from the President: Our Shared Promise

We’re off to a great start one year after launching Clearly Furman, the Campaign for Our Third Century – the most comprehensive and ambitious campaign in our history.

Right out of the gate, you have chosen to make your best gift to what you care most about at Furman. You have shown up at Clearly Furman events across the country. You have given of your time to mentor, network and hire Furman alumni.

And you have believed in our vision to set Furman apart in higher education and ensure our students are ready to meet the challenges of the future.

In this moment, as we look to Furman’s bicentennial in 2026, we are ensuring through your support that we can continue to send graduates into the world ready to be agents of leadership and innovation, to be engaged citizens who participate in their communities and inspire others.

To date, we have raised more than $392 million (or 92%) of our goal of $426 million by 2026. The pages of this magazine show us in detail and through inspiring stories how these gifts are already transforming lives and creating a better world.

Of the total raised so far, alumni and friends have contributed $92.5 million toward a goal of $126 million to endow and support The Furman Advantage, the university’s four-year educational framework shaped by mentoring, advising, classroom and engaged learning, and career preparation.

The numbers tell part of the story. In “FUmerical”, you’ll see data that show how Furman compares to other schools in terms of the engaged learning experiences of our students. Examine the data for yourself, but in short: Furman students participate in study away, internships and mentored research at much higher rates than students at other schools. These experiences, guided by mentoring and reflection, help students develop their values and define their strengths, interests and post-graduation plans.

Our students and donors tell the rest of the story. In “Lives Transformed”, you’ll see how Becky Folds ’81 and her husband Adnan Rukieh are making study away available to more students with demonstrated financial need. And how Cindy Davis ’84, who was a three-time All-American and runner-up at the 1983 NCAA Championships while at Furman, is creating endowed scholarships for members of the women’s golf team. You’ll also read about the enduring difference made by John ’54 and Jeanette Cothran, who are helping us reach our goals by giving to the Timmons Arena renovation project, scholarships to the Partners Program and support for the Cothran Center for Vocational Reflection.

Among the six Clearly Furman campaign priorities is one that focuses on wellness and belonging. The Furman community has contributed more than $17 million toward our goal of $30 million for this priority. In “Dedicated to Resilience and Well-Being”, read how a $10 million gift from David ’77 and June Trone is continuing to make Furman a place where students feel valued, embraced and supported. The Trone Center for Mental Fitness will help address the growing demand for mental health services, an upward trend found across all institutions of higher education, and support students’ emotional, social, spiritual, physical, financial, career, academic and environmental well-being.

These gifts and so many thousands of others are elevating the quality and reach of a Furman education and transforming the lives of our students forever.

What is just as encouraging to me is the level of interest and involvement of our alumni.

Our campaign set out to engage 65% percent of alumni and attract 22,500 donors. To date we have reached more than 92% of our goal for alumni engagement, meaning these alumni have been involved with the university through volunteering, experiential involvement (mentoring and providing internships,) giving or communication. And we are approaching 97% of our goal for total donors. Now, we’re setting our sights higher to meet your enthusiasm and broaden engagement opportunities.

This speaks to the deep dedication and trust our alumni and friends have in Furman, and I could not be more inspired by your personal time and financial investment in the future of this university. Thank you.