During this final year of the University's 10-year capital campaign, UMRA member Chris Mayr and I have served on a Faculty Staff Campaign Advisory Committee. We helped University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) staff find effective ways for informing faculty, staff, and retirees on ways to support programs, centers, departments, or colleges that hold special interest for them; for example, financial aid for students, support for research and publication, expanded service activity, or improved outreach and community engagement.   

The Driven campaign is nearing its $4 billion goal, and gifts of all kinds are welcome. Regarding campaign priorities, 92 percent of the student-support goal has been reached; 91 percent of the faculty and research goal has been achieved; and the University initiatives goal has been exceeded by 21 percent.

Of special import for UMRA members is our Professional Development Grants for Research (PDGR) program, which needs funding this year due to the University's budget shortfalls and belt tightening. We welcome contributions designated for the PDGR fund, which supports University retirees pursuing their research and professional development goals.

Faculty, staff, and retirees have already contributed generously to the Driven campaign: $169 million by more than 14,600 faculty, staff, and retirees, with UMRA members contributing $29.8 million. As the campaign enters its final months, we urge our members to continue their generous support of our University, its students, and its essential programs. Thank you for all you have done for our University and the state of Minnesota. Keep it up!

—John S. Adams, UMRA president (2013–14)