Editorial : Billion-dollar campaign misses faculty target

The Campaign for Syracuse University to raise $1 billion by the end of 2012 is ahead of schedule.

The campaign started in 2005 and went public in July 2007. The campaign has five different priorities, one of which is faculty excellence. In the latter years of the campaign, donations for faculty support have decreased. Only a little more than $57 million of the $930 million total raised in the campaign has gone toward faculty support. The goal for faculty excellence is set at $200 million, leaving about 75 percent left to be raised in the final year.

Faculty is important to the university in a number of ways. With more money, the university can focus on hiring and retaining faculty members who will enhance the classroom experience for students. If more money goes toward professors, they will have expanded resources and the ability to provide students with a better education. 

Professors, by speaking with media and publishing important research and academic work, have a direct effect on the reputation of the school. They can influence student and potential donors. Professors are integral to students’ experience at SU. Recently, the billion-dollar campaign has targeted young alumni, or ‘Generation Orange.’ Perhaps pulling on those attachments can draw more donations to this area of fundraising.

The largest portion of the money donated so far — a little more than $404 million — has gone toward programs and research. Although the university may reach the goal for the campaign ahead of schedule, it may not fill this essential priority.