University meets fundraising goal set by Darla Moore
The University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business has exceeded a fundraising challenge set by benefactor and university trustee Darla Moore -- the first step in a strategic renewal process that will redefine business education.
Moore’s challenge required the school to raise $30 million in funds beyond the university’s institutional commitment of $15 million by Aug. 3.
University President Harris Pastides said the Darla Moore school total includes $42.4 million in gifts, pledges and in-kind donations, much of which has come during one of the most challenging fundraising periods in decades.
Moore, who earned her bachelor’s degree from the university in 1975 and is the leading female benefactor of any business school in the world, announced her $45 million challenge gift to the business school in April 2004. That announcement laid the groundwork for the university and the school to raise additional monies for student scholarships, faculty support, a new building and initiatives to strengthen its position in international-business education and spur economic development in the Palmetto State.
“I am delighted that so many of our alumni and friends have taken this opportunity to invest in the business school of our state’s flagship institution, despite today’s difficult economic times,” Moore said. “By pledging their hard-earned dollars, these generous supporters are showing that they value our school’s unique strategy, mission, reputation and leadership.”