May 2011- As announced by President Troy Paino at Commencement ceremonies on May 7, Truman State University has surpassed its $30 million goal in its “Bright Minds Bright Futures” fundraising campaign.

The five-year effort, Truman’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, began on July 1, 2006, and featured several major initiatives, including student scholarships, student enrichment and academic programs, faculty support, athletics and mission enhancement.

As of May 23, 2011, a total of $30,234,943 has been generated in cash, multi-year pledges, and new planned gift commitments toward the campaign. Nearly $13.7 million has been raised for student scholarships, a centerpiece of the campaign. In addition, $8.25 million has been raised for student enrichment and academic programs, impacting areas such as study abroad, library enhancements, lectureships, student undergraduate research, programs to benefit the schools and departments, cultural programs, and internships.

The campaign concludes on June 30, 2011, and efforts to close additional gifts are continuing. Final campaign figures and other points of distinction will be released this summer.

“I am deeply grateful to the thousands of alumni and friends who have responded so generously to our call for support,” said President Paino. “Over 18,000 gifts have been received, including more than 12,000 from alumni, to the campaign over the past five years.”

“It was essential for Truman to meet the goal during its inaugural comprehensive campaign,” continued President Paino. “We have established a solid base for future campaign efforts as private gift support will increasingly be an important component of securing Truman’s vitality in the years ahead.” 

Chuck Foudree, retired vice president and chief financial officer for Harmon Industries in Kansas City, served as campaign chair and led a corps of over 100 volunteers. “The devotion and impact of our volunteers on the Bright Minds Bright Futures campaign is inestimable,” said President Paino.