Ohio State reaches $2.5B milestone in But for Ohio State Campaign, aims even higher

Hala.jpg

Epifluorescence microscope image of Halanaerobium bacteria cells -- one of the bacteria species which Ohio State researchers and their partners have discovered thriving in hydraulic fracturing wells. Image by Michael Wilkins, courtesy of The Ohio State University.
Cross-section of the hydraulic fracturing process. Image by Michael Wilkins, courtesy of The Ohio State University.

Cross-section of the hydraulic fracturing process. Image by Michael Wilkins, courtesy of The Ohio State University.
Pressure_cell.jpg

Titanium cell used to incubate bacteria under high pressures and temperatures. Inset shows bacteria cells growing in a glass vial taken from inside. Photo by Michael Wilkins, courtesy of The Ohio State University.
Hala.jpg

Epifluorescence microscope image of Halanaerobium bacteria cells -- one of the bacteria species which Ohio State researchers and their partners have discovered thriving in hydraulic fracturing wells. Image by Michael Wilkins, courtesy of The Ohio State University.
Cross-section of the hydraulic fracturing process. Image by Michael Wilkins, courtesy of The Ohio State University.

Cross-section of the hydraulic fracturing process. Image by Michael Wilkins, courtesy of The Ohio State University.
Pressure_cell.jpg

Titanium cell used to incubate bacteria under high pressures and temperatures. Inset shows bacteria cells growing in a glass vial taken from inside. Photo by Michael Wilkins, courtesy of The Ohio State University.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University has passed its campaign fundraising goal of $2.5 billion, nearly a year before the But for Ohio State Campaign is set to conclude.

That total already marks the highest amount raised by a campaign in the university’s history.

“The generosity of Buckeye Nation is truly inspiring — and we are grateful for this historic outpouring of support,” said President Michael V. Drake. “Never before at Ohio State have so many given so much and had such a profound impact on the university and the community.”

The But for Ohio State Campaign launched in 2009 and ends Sept. 30, 2016. It takes its name from the words of L Brands CEO and former university Board of Trustees Chairman Leslie H. Wexner, whose $100 million commitment to his alma mater set the tone and tenor for the campaign. “But for Ohio State, I would never have been able to go to college,” Wexner said.

Thus far, the campaign has seen more than 690,000 donors give to Ohio State, including a university record 237,340 last fiscal year. Supporters also set a new all-time mark of $360 million in cash donations in fiscal year 2015.

Overall, Ohio State has raised more than $437 million for students during the campaign. Increased student support is part of Drake’s 2020 Vision for the university, which would grow the need-based grant pool by $100 million over five years.

“The collective commitment that our alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students and friends continue to make to Ohio State reflects pride in this university that is unmatched anywhere in the world,” said Michael C. Eicher, senior vice president for advancement and president of The Ohio State University Foundation. “This campaign began with an ambitious goal and we have every intention of building on the momentum that our Buckeye community has created.”

The But for Ohio State Campaign supports the academic mission and vision of the university under several priority areas: placing students first, driving research and innovation, elevating faculty and the academic enterprise, and creating modern learning environments.