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| Debra A. LaMorte, Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations |
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After a kickoff celebration last fall that featured NYU Steinhardt parent Billy Joel, the Campaign for NYU continues to move toward its $2.5 billion goal. In this issue of Alumni News, we are pleased to present the first in a series of interviews with the Campaign Leadership team, which will tell the story of the Campaign and the impact its success will have on the University and its students.
Our first interview is with Debra A. LaMorte, NYU’s Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. LaMorte has spent more than 15 years raising money for NYU. She was instrumental in completing one of the largest campaigns in NYU Law School history before accepting her post at the University nearly three years ago and taking on the challenge of raising $2.5 billion.
Why was this the right time to launch the most ambitious fundraising campaign in NYU history?
“First and foremost, the Campaign will help us recruit the best faculty and students to maintain our momentum as one of the top research universities in the world. We have always had terrific professional schools, but now is the time to focus on building upon the excellence that exists in our arts and science programs. The Campaign will allow us to recruit 150 new faculty members in arts and science, which will positively benefit all of our students. More than ever, our students are reaching out across disciplines to take advantage of the synergy created by 14 schools, each with their own unique strengths.”
“I’m also proud of NYU’s history as a University that has a long history of welcoming students who are the first in their family to attend college. Financial aid is a huge priority in the Campaign, and we hope to strengthen our endowment so we can continue NYU’s legacy of being able to offer the best and brightest students a place on our campus.”
How was the $2.5 billion goal established?
“For two years, we sat down with the deans and asked them what they wanted their School to look like 10 years from now — what were their goals and aspirations? In our discussions, five obvious priorities for the Campaign emerged:
• Recruiting and retaining faculty
• Providing financial assistance to a diverse student body
• Revitalizing the University’s academic facilities
• Investing in curriculum and programs
• Increasing participation in The Fund for NYU.
When we totaled what it would cost to achieve all of these objectives, we came up with the $2.5 billion figure. I know that figure can seem daunting, but I’m confident that alumni, parents, and friends understand that NYU is having an enormous impact on our world today. They’re really excited about making an investment when they can see a tangible result.”
What Campaign priority are donors responding to the most?
“Student financial aid is a big selling point. Being asked for a gift can result in graduates recalling how valuable their NYU education was to them, and how much they enjoyed their time as students. This can translate into a graduate’s desire to make sure this incredible educational experience is available to others. Many donors like the idea of establishing a named or endowed scholarship that creates a legacy while helping a current student fund their education. Their gifts have an immediate impact on a student’s finances and quality of life.”
How much do you rely on volunteer support?
“The best part of my job is the constant interaction with NYU alumni, parents, and friends. Volunteers have been crucial to our success thus far, particularly the NYU Trustees who make up our Campaign Executive Committee. This committee, which is chaired by Joel Ehrenkranz (LAW ’61, ’63), continues to provide invaluable support for our efforts.”
Finally, where are we now in terms of reaching our goal to date?
“I’m excited to report that we’ve already achieved 49% of our goal, which means we’ve raised $1.22 billion. The entire University community — alumni, parents, friends, the NYU Alumni Association, the dean’s councils, and all of the School advisory boards — has been instrumental in our success to date. I’m grateful for all their work, and I’m counting on working with them over the next four years to reach our $2.5 billion goal.”
Look for an interview with another member of the Campaign Leadership team in our Fall 2005 issue.
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