Western Carolina University (WCU) has concluded its ambitious “Fill the Western Sky” comprehensive fundraising campaign with more than $110 million in philanthropic support pouring in to benefit the institution’s academic, student engagement, and athletics programs.
The record-breaking campaign began shortly after the arrival of Chancellor Kelli R. Brown in 2019 and concluded June 30 of this year.
Only the third comprehensive fundraising campaign in university history, “Fill the Western Sky” is the first with a significant emphasis on garnering funds for long-awaited upgrades to facilities used by WCU student-athletes. The campaign, with an overall focus on improving the total student experience, also sought support for academic excellence initiatives and community and global engagement activities.
Brown revealed the total amount raised during the campaign Friday, Aug. 28, at a gala celebration honoring donors who made contributions to the effort. The final tally — which stands at $110,883,442.69 — is more than $35 million above an initial goal of $75 million, which was later increased to $100 million, Brown said.
