University of Alabama Surpasses Fundraising Goal

The University of Alabama, under the leadership of President Stuart R. Bell, has significantly increased its charity awards, boosting the Tide 2.0 capital campaign to exceed its $1.8 billion goal.

As part of the Rising Tide 2.0 initiative, the university has met its fundraising objectives that were projected to take over a year. The campaign will keep going, aiming to gather more funds for scholarships, faculty support, and campus improvements until it wraps up in September 2026.

“We can certainly discuss the generosity and commitment from our alumni, friends, and partners in achieving our $1.8 billion goal for the Rising Tide 2.0 campaign for more than a year,” stated Dr. Bell, as he prepares to conclude his tenure in mid-July as the university’s 29th president. “This accomplishment showcases the strength of a community united by a shared purpose: investing in our students, faculty, and campus. We are thankful to all the donors who have helped forge the legacy of the University of Alabama.”

Thanks to Bell’s guidance, Rising Tide 2.0 stands as the most successful capital campaign in Alabama’s higher education history. So far, contributions from over 182,000 donors, including more than 106,000 first-time givers, have led to:

• Creation of over 1,170 new scholarship donations
• Establishment of nearly 70 new teacher support funds
• Over 500,000 square feet of campus facilities constructed

The campaign has made a notable impact at the Peter Brie Campus, which has seen a 118,000-square-foot renovation enhancing the university’s presence and student experience. The Katherine and Petus Randall Welcome Center opened in January 2024, while the Smith Family Centre for Performing Arts is currently being built and予定 to open in early 2027.

In February 2024, UA reached its original fundraising goal of $1.5 billion, just weeks before the Rising Tide 2.0 goal was set at $1.8 billion. Since then, the university has hit several funding milestones in 2024, raising more than $261 million in donations and pledges from over 60,000 donors.

On June 6, the campaign received a substantial boost from J. Frank Bearfield Jr., a UA graduate who donated $35 million to name the College of Arts and Sciences at UA. This college is the second-largest on campus.

“Supporters of UA are clearly stepping up,” remarked the university’s vice president of progress. “The enthusiasm and trust that alumni and donors show towards the University of Alabama is truly impressive, as reflected in their generosity. Dr. Bell has undeniably been a central figure in this fundraising achievement, especially during the last 14 months of the campaign.”

Since its inception in 2016, the campaign’s success mirrors the growth in enrollment, student achievements, and national recognition. Over the past decade, UA has:

• Surpassed 40,000 enrollments in fall 2024, including a record 3,482 first-time Alabama residents.
• Awarded over 9,000 degrees annually, marking new records for academic success, which includes rising graduation and retention rates.
• Achieved R1 status, signifying a high level of research activity in higher education.
• Ranked among the top institutions for producing Fulbright U.S. students in eight out of the last ten years.
• Completed over 60 transformative renovations and opened 26 new buildings, such as Hewson Hall and Stranhardin Arena for adapted track and field.

courtesy University of Alabama