The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) recently celebrated the conclusion of its transformative Light the Way campaign, which raised an impressive total of over $266 million. This remarkable achievement has provided scholarships to more than 1,000 students, significantly impacting their paths to education and success.
The Light the Way campaign, publicly launched in October 2021, aimed to enhance accessibility to higher education, especially for first-generation students, working adults, and military-affiliated learners. This initiative underlines UNCG's commitment to social mobility and equity in education. With a total of 236 new scholarship funds established, the campaign positions thousands of future students to benefit from its initiatives, ensuring wider reach and support.
The campaign exceeded its initial goal of $200 million by a significant 33%, thanks to the collective efforts of 26,684 donors who contributed a total of $266,186,027. To mark this achievement, UNCG hosted a community celebration at the UNCG Soccer Stadium on March 26, featuring a spectacular drone show—Greensboro's first large-scale drone event—which provided a visual representation of the campaign's impact.
Randall Kaplan, co-chair of the campaign, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that it aids in breaking barriers for students and fosters new opportunities for their success. The campaign also expanded resources for students, such as academic coaching and emergency assistance, fundamentally enhancing the support systems in place at UNCG.
In addition to increasing scholarship opportunities, the campaign facilitated a 29% growth in distinguished professorships at UNCG, adding 12 new named positions dedicated to attracting and retaining exceptional faculty members. This strategic enhancement will bolster both research quality and student learning experiences at the university.
A highlight of the campaign was the largest individual gift in UNCG's history—an outstanding $13 million donation from alumna Harriet Shain Evenson. This generous contribution will specifically expand scholarships in education, promote advancements in artificial intelligence within teaching, and enhance academic programs.
Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. articulated his pride in the UNCG community's resilience, stating that the campaign's success, launched during the pandemic, reflects the unwavering determination of its supporters and faculty. He noted that corporate partnerships played a crucial role in this achievement, emphasizing the intrinsic link between the success of UNCG and the broader prosperity of the Triad region.
Interestingly, over 60% of the campaign’s donors are UNCG alumni, showcasing the strong community ties and commitment to the university’s long-term impact on the region. Notably, 58% of donors made their first-ever gift during this campaign, illustrating the campaign's ability to engage and inspire a new generation of supporters.
The outcomes of the Light the Way campaign will have lasting effects on the university and the population it serves, fostering increased access to higher education and creating significant opportunities for social mobility.
As the university moves forward, the momentum from this campaign will continue to shape the academic landscape of UNCG for decades to come. The commitment to providing pathways to success for students from diverse backgrounds remains a cornerstone of UNCG’s mission. To learn more about the campaign and its impacts, visit
UNCG's official page.
For high-resolution images and footage from the campaign celebration, including highlights of the impressive drone show, media inquiries can be directed for further information and access.
UNCG stands as a diverse and inclusive public research university, accommodating approximately 18,000 students enrolled across over 150 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs. Recognized for both academic excellence and commitment to access and affordability, the university has positioned itself as a leader in North Carolina for social mobility, consistently earning recognition from prominent national rankings. For more information, check out UNCG’s detailed offerings at
uncg.edu.