Paula Kramer Weiss '79 and Lee Perlman '80 at New York City campaign kickoff

Geraldine MacDonald '68, '73

Back in 1996, nobody was sure if the Campaign for Binghamton University would succeed. A $36 million goal seemed lofty to some, as it was the University's first major gifts campaign. Others felt that the goal was not ambitious enough -- that alumni and friends would want to give more to the University that had given so much to them.

The campaign was designed to raise funds that would enhance academic programs, equip University facilities, and attract and retain the finest students and faculty. But the campaign's larger goal was to foster alumni pride and create awareness of how much a public university relies on private giving for its margin of excellence.

The campaign surpassed all expectations with a final tally of $43,690,622. All funding goals were met and exceeded, and for the first time, alumni emerged as the leading donor group.

"The Believe in Binghamton University campaign stimulated friends and alumni who recognize the University's value and unique contributions to support us," said President Lois B. DeFleur. "Inspired by the talents and aspirations of our students and faculty, they stepped forward to help make dreams a reality. Their leadership, vision and commitment has made the University a stronger, better place."

Campaign chairs Carl Ernstrom '61 (left) and Gil Dickoff '83, '84	The University received its first $1 million gift, from Cisco Systems senior executive Gary Kunis '73 and his wife, Natasha.	Mark Zurack '78 endowed the University's first joint distinguished professorship (in finance and economics).

Two Binghamton alumni who were tapped to lead the campaign steering committee, themselves major donors, said that the campaign illustrated alumni pride and the University's growing sophistication.

"The community, faculty, administration and alumni rallied around a cause that will benefit them all in the years to come," said co-chair Carl Ernstrom '61, former president of the BU Foundation board of directors.

"People worked hard -- very hard -- and the rewards were bountiful,"
agreed co-chair Gil Dickoff '83, '84.

Fellow alumni leaders included steering committee member Paula Kramer Weiss '79, who helped launch the Alumni Association's new Fundraising Committee. She contacted fellow alumnus Mark Zurack '78, who endowed the University's first joint distinguished professorship (in finance and economics) shortly after the campaign's public launch.

A gift from Linda Grabel '71 supported Harpur College's Department of Judaic Studies.	Nicholas Stamato '76 and his wife, Susan, endowed a scholarship at Harpur College.

Then, the University received its first $1 million gift from an alumnus: Cisco Systems senior executive Gary Kunis '73 and his wife, Natasha, earmarked their donation for scholarships, a new laboratory in the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, and other support. Kunis, a history major, credits Binghamton's liberal arts curriculum with teaching him the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to reach the top of the competitive, fast-paced realm of high technology.

Alumni support was strong across campus. Economics major Mark Newman '71 endowed a four-year scholarship at Harpur College. School of Management alumni, including Mark '81 and Cathy '79 Deutsch and John W. Walker '78, helped to furnish and equip the school's new building. Susan '65 and Stanley '64 Reifer donated rare pieces of Asian art to the University Art Museum and helped fund its renovation and expansion.

Alumni also hosted campaign-related gatherings nationwide. These volunteers, including Steven '78 and Susan '80 Bloom, Charlene Kahlor Kramer '73 and Roger Kramer '72, Joel Kellman '63, Joy Kellman, Salvatore Caruana '73 and Gil Dickoff '612, '84 opened their homes to the Campaign for Binghamton University in addition to providing financial support.

The gift of Linda Grabel '71 supported Harpur College's Department of Judaic Studies. "Together, we have planted seeds that will take root and flower year in and year out, in an unlimited variety of ways that will enable Binghamton and its students and faculty to expand and continue the tradition of excellence," she said.

The campaign has meant a great deal to Binghamton University -- and it helped many of us realize how important the University is to us," said Dr. Nicholas Stamato '76, president of the BU Foundation's board of directors. Stamato and his wife, Susan, endowed a scholarship at Harpur College.

The campaign met its $36 million goal in the fall of 2001. The Foundation board of directors and University administrators decided to conclude the campaign June 30, 2002 -- one year early. A celebration took place this October, when alumni gathered on campus for Homecoming 2002. TOP

Significant milestones of the Campaign for Binghamton University:

The first $1 million gift from an alumnus was donated by Gary Kunis '73 and his wife, Natasha Kunis.

The University's first faculty chairs were endowed in rural health nursing and community health nursing.

The number of scholarships, fellowships and academic awards supported by the BU Foundation more than doubled during the campaign.

Donors supported faculty and academic programs in areas such as study abroad, Judaic studies, music, engineering and computer science, creative writing and poetry, accounting, and rural and community health nursing.

The University received support for new or expanded facilities such as the academic buildings housing the School of Management, Decker School of Nursing and School of Education and Human Development; the Institute for Child Development, the University Art Museum; and more.

The University's endowment grew from $16.8 million in 1996 to $36.2 million in 2002.

Alumni became the lead donor group for the first time in Binghamton University history.

Click here for Campaign figures