Wake Will Lead campaign reaches $800 million milestone
Wake Forest University has raised more than $800 million in gifts and commitments to support students, faculty and capital projects as part of the Wake Will Lead campaign, as of Dec. 31, 2017.
Porter B. Byrum’s (JD ’42) generous bequest of more than $70 million, which will make attending college more affordable and accessible for generations of students, propelled the campaign to this milestone. In July, Wake Forest announced it had reached the $700 million mark. The University aims to raise $1 billion by 2020.
More than one third ($275 million) of the funds raised to date will support student scholarships and financial aid. Continued momentum for the campaign is helping Wake Forest realize ambitious goals for supporting high-achieving, low- and middle-income students.
“An investment in Wake Forest students is one worth making and we are grateful for our donors’ continued support. Every dollar raised helps us ensure more deserving students can attend Wake Forest regardless of their family’s financial situation. The gift of opportunity is immeasurable and transformational.” Nathan O. Hatch, Wake Forest president
Close to another third ($232 million) of the funds raised will support faculty and academic programming, including support for every Academic Department and the creation of 10 Presidential Endowed Chairs.
Donors have also shown significant philanthropic support for campus capital improvements, creating an unprecedented renewal of the physical campus.
The support for the campaign has been widespread, with more than 74,000 alumni, parents and friends across the country making donations to Wake Forest, many through the Wake Forest Fund’s annual fundraising drives.
