University of Manitoba sets sights on $500M fundraising goal

The University of Manitoba has set a massive fundraising goal it is confident it can reach.

The new Front and Centre campaign aims to raise $500 million.If they pull it off, it will be the largest fundraising campaign in Manitoba history.

"Manitobans are extremely generous and people see what we're doing as a part of the resurgence of Manitoba and getting us to that next place and this is the solution," saidJohn Kearsey, the U of M's vice president of external relations.

He said he's confident they'll reach their goal.

The money from the Front and Centrecampaign will be used to support graduate students, improve the campus, and fund research,saidPaulSoubry, a U of M alumnus and president and CEO of New Flyer Industries.

"You know what's really cool is the university has rejuvenated its strategic plan, gone out and talked to not only donors of the school but people who hire grads from the school, researchers and so forth, so the campaign is really a mirror of what's needed by the various faculties," he said.

The last philanthropic campaign undertaken by the U of M, the Building on Strengths Campaign, was completed on March 31and surpassed its $200 million goal by raising more than$237 million.

The money supported the Engineering and Information Technology Complex, thefacility for the Faculty of Pharmacy, the inner-city social work program, the expansion of the Faculty of Law, and many other projects, according to a U of M press release.

"Manitoba is at a tipping point, experiencing a surge in population growth and a revitalization of economic, social and cultural life," states the release."Front and Centre will ensure the University of Manitoba can respond to Manitobas most pressing needs, and be responsive to some of the worlds most pressing issues.

"University of Manitoba graduates have been instrumental in virtually every advancement in Manitoba, and University of Manitoba graduates will continue to be at the front and centre of Manitoba success stories."