'Raise the Torch': FSU Launches $1 Billion Campaign

Love to see this announced and I love to see Garnett Stokes reference 'AAU ready' even though she doesn't actually lead to move FSU towards that (ie no major research initiatives coming from her).

That said, this is not an 'ambitious' goal.  $1Billion over 8 years (I believe that is the term) for higher ed is almost low today.  Stanford recently raised $1 Billion in a year.  Now I now...I get it, FSU isn't Stanford and that isn't a fair standard to judge, but all the same, an 8 year goal of $1 Billion is not ambitious at all.

FSU really needs to land some BIG gifts, because those are the true difference makers, it also needs to see that goal stretched by about 20%, which is common with many successful campaigns.  With the promises John Thrasher and his supporters made about his fundraising prowess, this should be ZERO problem (although, most of his supporters now deny claims they made about him after he got they job, much like TK's did......because they know they were false claims to justify the poor hire). 

Wishing the best here for FSU, it badly needs to reach $1.2 Billion by 2018, just to stay with the competition.

raisethetourch.fsu.edu

'Raise the Torch': FSU Launches $1 Billion Campaign

"Administrators say it's ambitious-- but not impossible. FSU kicks off its largest fundraising campaign in school history.
Florida State University wants to raise $1 billion by June 30, 2018.
Administrators publicly announced the "Raise the Torch" campaign Friday with a celebration on campus.
They've already been busy. They've raised $610 million so far.
FSU Interim President, Garnett Stokes, says, "A billion dollar campaign is transformational. What it does is provide the resources that this institution needs to get into the Top 25 and to become an AAU ready institution."
FSU says the fundraising priorities are to inspire the next generation of students, go to new academic heights, encourage innovation, and improve the public good.
An FSU study found that when the university brings in $200 million in sponsored research, it translates into more than 2,000 jobs in the Tallahassee area.
Tom Jennings, the FSU Foundation President, says, "Florida State is a beacon of light and a beacon of knowledge in Florida and beyond. So we intend to shine that light."
Students are doing their part, too. The student body is spearheading a $1 million fundraising campaign. Representatives from several student organizations presented checks during Friday's celebration totaling more than $280,000.
The FSU student body president says, "As you can see, our student body is equally committed to this important endeavor for our university."
During Saturday's FSU-Notre Dame football game, officials will use a commemorative coin to make the campaign's public launch.
For more info on the campaign, go to raisethetourch.fsu.edu."