One Year in to Shine On, Gold Comprehensive Campaign And $100 Million Goal in Sight

Oct. 15, 2024

Michelle R. Eubanks , UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256.765.4392

FLORENCE, AL – Just one year since the launch of the $100 million Shine On, Gold Comprehensive Campaign for the University of North Alabama, and already the goal is well within sight as more than $75 million has been raised. “We are at a critical juncture in the the University’s history, and this campaign will be a vital part of launching us into our bicentennial in 2030,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “Already, we have experienced great strides in so many areas of our campus, including academics, athletics, and the overall student experience. The Shine On, Gold campaign is part of this ongoing success.” On Sept. 29, 2023, the University launched the Shine On, Gold campaign as part of the Homecoming Celebration. The priorities, goals for each of the priorities, and the fundraising to-date include: • The Music Performance Center has a $1 million goal, and $775,218 has been raised; • Student Scholarships have a $15 million goal, and $12,958,484 has been raised; • Presidential Scholarships have a $6 million goal, and $5,669,034 has been raised; • Bank Independent Stadium has a $30 million goal, and $26,138,579 has been raised; • The Mitchell-West Center has a $1 million goal, and has exceeded it with $1,146,488 raised; • The 1830 Fund has a $3 million goal, and $2,067,159 has been raised; and • Donor-Directed Purposes has a $44 million goal, and $27,706,823 has been raised. “I continue to be amazed at the outpouring from our alumni and friends on campus, throughout the Shoals, and beyond,” said Kevin Haslam, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the UNA Foundation. “Because of the visionary leadership and generosity of so many incredible people, organizations, and municipalities, the University of North Alabama and the students we serve are being transformed in an incredibly positive manner, and the impact will be felt for generations.” Hallie Mauldin serves as the co-chair for the campaign with Joel R. Anderson II; she said she is moved by the depth of the response to Shine On, Gold in just the first year. “The first year of the Shine On, Gold campaign has been incredibly successful, demonstrating the power of a unified, focused effort,” she said. “As a community, we have the unique opportunity to come together and create a lasting impact. Whether it’s a small donation or a larger contribution, every gift plays a vital role in building on the incredible legacy of the University of North Alabama. I’m excited to see how we can continue this momentum and achieve even greater success in the coming years.” Like Mauldin, Anderson said he is incredibly proud of the progress that has been made to date on the Shine On, Gold campaign. “Our dedicated supporters and alumni have shown tremendous generosity, bringing us closer to our ambitious $100M fundraising goal,” he said. “The campaign has already enabled significant improvements across campus, from enhanced academic programs to upgraded facilities. We’re not just raising funds; we’re investing in the future of our students and the continued excellence of UNA. While we celebrate our achievements thus far, we remain committed to reaching our ultimate target. Your continued support is crucial as we work together to ensure UNA shines even brighter for generations to come!” In addition to the banners and signs that have been placed throughout campus and in downtown Florence, UNA Advancement has also launched a new texting option that will allow alumni and friends of the University to learn more about ways to give, events on campus, and other updates. The first text will be delivered to recipients this week. To learn more about the Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign to raise $100 million for UNA, 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 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs through the colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; the Sanders College of Business and Technology; Education and Human Sciences; and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. UNA Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Sun and United Athletic conferences. 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: una.edu and una.edu/unaworks/.