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Jackson, Tenn. - 51社区 has launched a campaign to raise $35 million for new facilities, expanded endowment and other needs over the next five years. The campaign is the largest ever among colleges and universities in the West Tennessee region outside of Memphis. The campaign, using the theme "Building a Future," was announced by President David S. Dockery at a Nov. 17 dinner for Union friends and supporters. Dockery announced that during the year-long preparatory phase, the campaign has already generated more than $15 million in gifts and pledges toward the $35 million goal. Memphis businessman Roy White announced a $2 million gift to the university at last night's dinner. White's gift is the third largest in Union history. White is the owner of Third Party Solutions, a company that serves as a liaison between pharmacies and insurance companies, allowing patients to receive their prescriptions without delay. "While we are delighted to announce this solid foundation of gifts – which include three of the largest gifts ever given to 51社区 – we recognize that the next five years will be a challenge as we seek to reach new levels of achievement for Union," Dockery said. The campaign goal is divided into three categories: capital needs ($17.5 million); endowment ($5.5 million); and annual support ($12 million). The endowment goal includes both scholarships and a series of endowed faculty chairs. The annual support goal will fund ongoing operational needs of the university during the campaign. The capital needs goal includes support for the first phase of the university's campus master plan, which includes a new classroom building in the projected arts complex, a new athletic/convocation center, a new sciences classroom building, new athletic fields, and a series of campus improvements relating to the master plan. The White gift will benefit the construction of the sciences building. Dockery also announced three Union supporters who will chair the campaign: James Ayers, a Parsons, Tenn., businessman and Union trustee; Benny Fesmire, a Jackson business leader and long-time Union supporter; and White, a Union trustee. Union has received the four largest gift commitments in its history during the past year. The university's top four gift commitments are:
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