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From Staff Reports
On April 24, the University of North Carolina Asheville officially launched the public phase of its Centennial Campaign, aiming to raise $100 million in philanthropic support by the University’s 100th anniversary in 2027, UNCA noted in a May 9 press release.
The campaign began in November 2018, when the UNCA Board of Trustees approved a resolution proposed by Chancellor Emerita Nancy J. Cable to begin the university’s first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign.
At a campaign launch event this past April, long-time volunteers and supporters, Janice and Joe Brumit, announced that the institution has raised more than $72 million toward the $100 million goal thanks to gifts from over 10,000 alumni and friends. The Brumits highlighted the many impactful projects already made possible through philanthropic support, including:
- Renovation of Owen Hall
- Construction of the Bailey Welcome Center
- Establishment of the McClinton Family Global Scholars Program
- Renovation of the Karl Straus Track
- Launch of the Access Asheville scholarship program
- Creation of more than 200 new scholarships, including the Gateway Scholars Program
- And numerous grants supporting academic programs and faculty research
Looking ahead, upcoming projects to be supported through the campaign include:
- Renovation and expansion of Lipinsky Hall to enhance music technology and performance space
- Construction of a new outdoor tennis complex and baseball hitting facility
- New student success initiatives, including scholarships and expanded internship opportunities
At the campaign launch event, Chancellor van Noort also announced three transformational gifts the University received in the first quarter of 2025:
- A seven-figure gift from a UNC Asheville alumnus established the Woodward Scholars Program for students pursuing STEM majors.
- A $1 million challenge gift—also from an alumnus—will help renovate the performance hall in Lipinsky Hall.
- A landmark $5 million gift from a local family — the largest gift in UNC Asheville’s history—will expand the Gateway Scholars Program endowment and provide wraparound support for first-generation students. A portion of this gift includes a challenge component, encouraging others to endow scholarships by providing immediate-use funds to support these students right away.
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