Message From The Campaign UW Chair

William H. Gates ('49, '50)

After four years writing in this space about the remarkable achievements made possible by your support of Campaign UW: Creating Futures, I am now penning my last column. In my first message as Campaign UW chair, back in September 2004, I wrote about the importance of volunteers. I think it's appropriate to come full circle and end with this same subject. When Campaign UW closed June 30, the numbers were astounding: nearly 300,000 donors contributed nearly $2.7 billion to make this university stronger than ever. This level of success simply would not have been possible without our dedicated volunteers.

Campaign UW volunteers are some of the University's biggest cheerleaders. They are a legion of ambassadors who extol the importance of the UW to their friends and family. They helped us set campaign priorities, and they tapped their networks for support. In addition to their efforts related to fundraising, they give of their time in numerous other ways that support the University. They talk with students about their careers, participate in committees that select deans, help schools and colleges with strategic planning, and volunteer on boards and committees across our three campuses.

While the UW benefits greatly from the work of our volunteers, being involved with the University is also incredibly rewarding. Because of my relationship with the UW, I have stayed connected with our campuses, with issues that matter most to me and with our inspiring students, faculty and staff. Though Campaign UW is now part of our great university's history, I encourage you to engage with the University. Both you and the UW will benefit immeasurably.

Thank you!

  Bill Gates