VCU launches Unlocking Potential campaign

Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health have launched Unlocking Potential: VCU's Campaign for the Future, a record-breaking $1.838 billion initiative, the most significant fundraising effort in the enterprise's history.

The campaign's fundraising goal was announced Sept. 18 at a kickoff event at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.

"Unlocking Potential is more than a campaign - it's a bold investment in people, research, health care and community," said Jay E. Davenport, vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. "With the support of our benefactors, we will break down barriers, open doors to opportunity and shape brighter futures through transformative education, pioneering discoveries and world-class care."

Gifts to the campaign drive critical initiatives that will define VCU's future, with a focus on four key areas.

• Increasing access and fostering student success: Education is the foundation of opportunity. At VCU, we believe all students deserve access to a transformative education. Together, we can unlock potential in every student, ensuring that they have access to an enriching education for a future filled with possibility.
• Blazing trails and leading change through research: Innovation is at the heart of VCU's mission. From pioneering medical treatments to advancing the arts and humanities, VCU and VCU Health are a hub of creativity and discovery. Together, we can pioneer new insights to unlock a future defined by innovation.
• Recognizing faculty and nurturing scholarship: Great universities are built on the brilliance and dedication of their faculty. VCU faculty inspire students and push the boundaries of knowledge. Together, we can unlock excellence in academics and in health care training to drive impact that extends far beyond our campus.
• Sustaining institutional excellence and achieving prominence: Every aspect of our university and health system contributes to VCU's success. Together, we can unlock new levels of achievement and well-being for our students, patients and community, and ensure continued growth and recognition on the world stage.

The public phase of the campaign follows a leadership phase that began July 1, 2020, during which VCU raised $1.138 billion. Running through June 30, 2030, the Unlocking Potential campaign is a comprehensive fundraising initiative; colleges, schools and units have distinct goals within these focus areas, and donors can choose to support individual areas at VCU or VCU Health holistically.

"As an alum, I know firsthand the difference VCU makes in people's lives," said Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Ph.D., campaign tri-chair and president and CEO, Joint Commission, Joint Commission International. "Serving as tri-chair of this campaign cabinet is my way of giving back and helping ensure that future generations of students, patients and communities can benefit from all that VCU has to offer. It's an honor to help lead an effort that will create lasting impact."

His perspective reflects the spirit behind the campaign: a belief that investing in people and programs today will create opportunity for generations to come, a vision echoed by VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D.

"At VCU and VCU Health, we believe in the extraordinary potential within every member of our community," Rao said. "Unlocking Potential: VCU's Campaign for the Future is our commitment to fuel education, discovery and healing in ways that will transform lives for generations. This campaign will shape the future of our university, our health system and the communities we serve. Together, we will unlock what's possible."

In addition to the fundraising goal, VCU has set an equally ambitious engagement goal. During the 10-year campaign, VCU aims to foster alumni and community involvement with the university and the health system, setting a goal of 1.838 million engagements.

"For the first time in VCU's history, the success of our campaign will be measured not only in dollars raised, but also in the service, time and engagement of our alumni and friends, whose commitment is every bit as powerful as their philanthropy," says Elizabeth Bass, associate vice president of Alumni Relations.

The Unlocking Potential campaign is led by three tri-chair couples: Michelle Baldacci and David Baldacci, J.D.; Dawn Parker and Keith Parker; and Donna Perlin, M.D., and Jonathan Perlin, M.D., Ph.D.

VCU's campaign goals honor the 1838 founding of VCU's Medical College. Every gift and every action taken during this campaign helps carry forward the mission that began in 1838, propelling VCU's future and strengthening our service to those who rely on us.