On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 21, the Dolphin community converged on Jacksonville
University’s campus for Future Fest, a celebration that launched the university’s
comprehensive capital campaign, FUTURE. MADE.
Wrapping up Homecoming Weekend, FUTURE FEST gave students, faculty and staff, and
alumni yet another reason to celebrate. Guests mingled, danced, and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres
and cocktails under a canopy on Howard Terrace. A variety of activities provided interactive
entertainment nearby, including a game truck, miniature golf, and a giant LITE-BRITE
that attendees could customize.
Shortly before 7 p.m., attendees gathered to watch the FUTURE. MADE. anthem, a visual
prelude for the night’s big announcement. Everyone then turned their attention to
Jacksonville University President Tim Cost (’81), who revealed the university’s largest
and most ambitious comprehenshive campaign yet: $175 million over the next decade.
“I want everyone here to have confidence that we will achieve $175 million before
the end of this decade, and that, frankly, we plan to push much further than that,”
shared President Cost, before adding, “and we may gather you together in a few years
to give you a new number.”
President Cost then surprised guests with yet another major announcement. “We are
still in the silent phase, but as of this week, we have now officially raised $103
million for Jacksonville University. $103 million for the students and the faculty
and the programs, in an effort that has not yet been announced until tonight, and
you'll be reading about it in the days to come.”
Cost went on to acknowledge the thousands of supporters who had already invested in
the campaign. More than 500 people had already donated more than $10,000, and 35 people
had given $1 million or more.
He concluded with a toast to the campaign and the university, which the crowd enthusiastically
echoed.
Learn more about FUTURE. MADE. by visiting www.ju.edu/futuremade.
