Arkansas Tech University celebrated the completion of its $55 million comprehensive capital campaign with a reception attended by donors and ATU administrators at the Hull Building Student Union on Tuesday, June 11.
The “Together, We Can” campaign for Arkansas Tech raised funds for scholarships, student success programs, innovation initiatives and the construction of a new student union and recreation center.
“Together, we did it,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU interim president, during his remarks at the reception. “Tonight marks the end of the ‘Together, We Can’ campaign, but it is just the beginning in terms of the positive impact that your generosity and your hard work will create. This is a great university. It represents, in many cases, our students’ one and only pathway to a better life through higher education. For the students of today…for the students of tomorrow…let’s keep striving to be the best Arkansas Tech we can be.”
The silent phase of ATU’s first comprehensive campaign was launched in 2018. By the time the public phase of “Together, We Can” was announced on April 7, 2022, it had already raised $42 million.
Additional gifts over the past two-plus years pushed the campaign to its ultimate goal of $55 million.
Jim Smith and Rebecca Hurst of Fayetteville and Stephanie Duffield and Luke Duffield of Russellville served as campaign co-chairs.
“There are so many positives that will be derived from the ‘Together, We Can’ campaign and the funds that were raised,” said Smith. “There will be new programs and initiatives that will prepare our graduates for the careers and opportunities of tomorrow. The Ferguson Student Union will create a more cohesive campus community. The scholarships will help students realize the life-changing benefits of an Arkansas Tech education. Each of you, and so many others, made it all possible. Thank you for your support of Arkansas Tech University. It is a special place with special people.”
Additional members of the “Together, We Can” steering committee included the late Bryce Mobley of Russellville, the late James Bibler of Russellville, Laurie Bibler Terry of Russellville, Cynthia and Charles Blanchard of Russellville, Beth and Luke Bradshaw of Fayetteville, LaVel and Benny Harris of Russellville, Charlotte and Gerald Johnston of Springdale, Julie and Andy McNeill of Russellville, Harriet and Rick Thone of Russellville and Leigh and John Whiteside of Russellville.
“When we gathered at Tucker Coliseum for the campaign kickoff event in April 2022, we talked about the word opportunity,” said Stephanie Duffield. “The time was right for Arkansas Tech University to conduct its first comprehensive campaign and make a positive, generational impact on our institution. Together, we seized that opportunity and completed the most successful fundraising effort in ATU history. Together, we made a statement about our belief in Arkansas Tech and our desire for it to continue moving forward in the years and decades to come.”
Visit www.atualumni.com/together to learn more about the “Together, We Can” campaign for Arkansas Tech.
