The fundraiser was part of a campaign that included all campuses of Indiana University, commemorating the University's Bicentennial.
Over $16 million was raised through donations from current and former faculty, philanthropic organizations, as well as contributions from alumni. Indiana University Kokomo initially set the goal at $6 million and when that amount was quickly surpassed, a new goal of $13.6 million was set. In addition to being the 200 year history of Indiana University, 2020 also marks the 75th anniversary of Indiana University Kokomo campus. Through For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign, the university raised a grand total of over 3.8 billion dollars over all campuses through the fundraising effort.
Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke thanked all who contributed, "The generosity of our alumni and friends prepares us to reach even greater heights during our next 75 years, as we continue the life-changing work of educating the people of our region," she said. "These gifts will allow us to transform north central Indiana, and help create better lives for its people. We are abundantly grateful."
Donations will be used to provide scholarships, fund research programs, and to provide innovation and improvements to all Indiana University campuses. The fundraiser was coordinated by For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign, established in 2015. The initiative united nine campuses under a single fundraising goal, and in doing so solicited enough donations to fund 5,807 scholarships and fellowships and 235 new faculty chairs and professorships. Through donations to the Walter Center for Career Achievement, IU aims to support students by connecting them with internship opportunities in Indiana and around the world. The Bicentennial Campaign's fundraiser is also contributing to Indiana University's efforts to spur technological innovation. One Indiana University program, IU Cybersecurity Clinic, focuses on high tech solutions to cyber security and protection of intellectual property and privacy. Other efforts include the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund, focused on connecting donors with innovative start ups affiliated with alumni Indiana University's and those starting companies spurred by research completed at Indiana University.
At the Indiana University Kokomo campus, funds have provided resources for KEY (Kokomo Experience and You) which centers on giving students enriching experiences outside of the classroom setting. KEY strives to enhance the student experience with international travel,community service involvement, and learning opportunities that can not be found in a traditional classroom setting. In addition to improving the student experience, KEY focuses on programs that also appeal to future employers. For example, KEY funded a Spring Break trip for students to Google Headquarters. Another program brought students to the Field Museum in Chicago to study fossils. Some students have worked with children in Guatemala, while others have contributed to social media campaigns for community organizations. One program allowed students to visit a village in Amsterdam that is revolutionizing care for dementia patients. Another program brought students to historical sites in the region to examine attempts at creating utopian societies. Upcoming KEY opportunities include grants for students to attend conferences relating to public health and medical imaging technologies.
Contributors to the fundraising efforts commemorating the bicentennial of Indiana University can read about how Indiana University intends to continue its legacy with the Bicentennial Strategic Plan. The plan includes a commitment to strengthening ties to the communities surrounding their regional campuses. A recent study highlights the positive impact of Indiana University Kokomo on the economy of north central Indiana, citing a $130.2 million dollar impact on the region. The presence of the campus supports over 2000 local jobs and spending by students inject around $2.7 million into the local economy. One figure shows that for every public dollar invested, taxpayers receive $1.60 in return. This relationship between the university and the community extends to the fundraising efforts.
In a press release, Indiana University Vice Chancellor Jan Halpern spoke about the way in which the fundraising campaign changed the dynamics of Indiana University's culture of philanthropy, harnessing the resources of faculty and staff. "Everyone on campus became an advocate for us, and had a part in our success," she said. "Many of the gifts made were from current and retired faculty, while others were from alumni, and friends of the campus with no previous connection… They recognize the value we bring to our community, and we are appreciative." Halpern went on to express a need for this trend to become tradition in order for IU Kokomo to uphold a relationship that gives back to the community, "Though the Bicentennial is over, the needs continue into IU's third century," Halperin said. "There will always be people who would not be able to attend college without scholarships, that is always a need."