UNA Sets Fundraising Record for Second Year
Oct. 25, 2023
Michelle R. Eubanks , UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256.765.4392
FLORENCE, AL – For the second consecutive year, the University of North Alabama has broken all previous fundraising records for FY23 that concluded Sept. 30. The previous record of $22,865,000 raised in FY22 has been exceeded by more than $11.5 million dollars for a total raised of $33,545,310.
“It has been an exceptional time at the University of North Alabama as we have far surpassed previous fundraising goals and set the stage for the launch of the largest comprehensive campaign in our history,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “We can add this accomplishment to the long list of markers of excellence that clearly signal the upward trajectory of our University.”
The Shine On, Gold Comprehensive Campaign for the University of North Alabama launched Sept. 29 as part of the Alumni Celebration. During the event, the $100 million campaign goal was announced, along with amounts to raise for designated priorities that include scholarship programs, student support centers, and both academic and athletic facilities. In addition to these priorities, donors may continue to direct gifts to other projects and initiatives of their choosing.
Some of the more notable accomplishments during the historic year include that, for the third consecutive year, the number of donors supporting UNA grew, and there were namings for the Sanders College of Business and Technology, the Florence Helen Nethery Duncan Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, CB&S Bank Arena, and Bank Independent Stadium. Additionally, the remarkable generosity of donors resulted in 40 new current-use funds and 37 endowments being established.
“What is happening at the University of North Alabama is truly remarkable, and it is producing results that are transformational,” said Kevin Haslam, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the UNA Foundation. “The generosity and vision of our alumni and friends, coupled with their desire to partner with the exceptional leadership at the University, is having a profound, positive impact on students, faculty, staff, and the Shoals community and will continue to do so for generations to come. It is truly an honor and privilege to be part of it.”
Among the individuals who were in positions of leadership to spearhead this effort is UNA graduate and former chair of the UNA Foundation, Jason Thomas.
“I have had the opportunity to serve on many boards for organizations across the country, and without hesitation, I have never worked with a board as dedicated to the donors and a mission as I was able to with the with UNA Foundation Board,” he said. “It is no surprise that we broke records for a second year. The hard work and focus in helping people find their passion at UNA is not only noteworthy but also highlights just how amazing this accomplishment is.”
Already, the University is at 61 percent of the $100 million goal for the comprehensive campaign. To learn more, to give, or to connect, log on to una.edu/shineongold.
About The University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering credential, certificate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs in the colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; Business and Technology; Education and Human Sciences; and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. The first-choice University for more than 10,000 on-campus and online students, UNA is on a bucolic campus in Florence, Alabama, part of the historic and vibrant Shoals region. Lions Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of the NCAA Division I’s ASUN Conference. The University of North Alabama is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: www.una.edu and www.una.edu/unaworks/