Carry the Torch
UNCG HAS BEEN TEACHING STUDENTS TO LOOK FORWARD, innovate, embrace change, and break down society’s barriers — big and small — for nearly 130 years. Today we stand at an inflection point in our history. To continue on this path of innovation and leadership, we need to be bold, imaginative, and courageous — which of course means we need you. Your commitment to light the way will bolster us for what’s ahead. Your vision, your generosity, and your belief will help us take those important giant steps to ensure we remain at the forefront of adaptive, innovative higher education for North Carolina, the region, and beyond.

Join us, both in our commitment and our excitement for the present and future of UNC Greensboro. Together we will embrace the moment, seize the opportunities, and carry the torch. On behalf of the entire learning community at UNCG, thank you.
With enthusiasm,
Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr.
Chancellor
Light The Way
WE ARE PROUD OF WHAT THE UNIVERSITY HAS ACCOMPLISHED, confident in its future, and most of all, we believe in its mission. If we come together to meet the goals of this campaign, we will transform the future of the University.
Now we challenge you to join us in supporting this ambitious effort. Meeting the goals of the campaign will strengthen UNCG’s position as a leading university, provide much-needed resources for students and faculty, enhance the University’s role as an economic engine, and positively influence millions of lives in our region and elsewhere for years ahead.
As past chairs of the UNCG Board of Trustees, we are proud to come together as torchbearers for this campaign. We ask you to join us in lighting the way for the future of UNCG. We believe there is no better investment.

With thanks,
Randall R. Kaplan
Campaign Co-Chair
Susan Morris Safran ’77
Campaign Co-Chair
Campaign Committees
Campaign Cabinet
Randall Kaplan, Co-Chair
Susan Safran ’77, Co-Chair
Adair Armfield ’61
Sue Cole ’72
Mae Douglas ’73
Brad Hayes ’87
David Jolley ’76 MA
Betsy Oakley ’69
Tom Sloan
David Sprinkle
Jeanne Tannenbaum ’64
Campaign Steering Committee
Randall Kaplan, Co-Chair
Susan Safran ’77, Co-Chair
Margaret Benjamin ’01 MALS
Oita Coleman ’82
Jacquie Gilliam
Steve Hassenfelt
Whitney Hill ’09
George Hoyle ’90
Andrea Hunter
Celia Jolley ’71
Terald Melton ’93
Mindy Oakley
Paula Short ’67
Carrie Stewart
Tom Waldron ’90
Tim Warmath
Art Winstead ’78
Volunteer
Light the Way is a campaign of transformation and achievement. Most of all, it is a campaign of people: bright, deserving students; dedicated faculty and staff; and enthusiastic alumni and friends like you — forward-looking, action-oriented donors. Your involvement and energy will make this campaign a success.
Help light the way by serving as a volunteer:
Contact Andreas Nasser, Executive Assistant to Beth Fischer, Vice Chancellor Advancement, to learn more about the different opportunities.
336-334-5679
eanasser@uncg.edu
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Attend an Event
Ways to Give
To light the way for current and future students, UNC Greensboro seeks to raise $200 million over the next five years. It’s a big goal — one we can achieve by working together. Explore the different ways you can make your gift.
Annual Giving
These unrestricted gifts represent a flexible, immediate, and essential source of funds for the University.
Planned Giving
Planned gifts, such as bequests or charitable trusts, can be an advantageous way to provide for a future gift to UNCG.
Matching Gifts
A corporate matching gift is an easy way to increase the impact of a personal contribution to UNCG.
Endowments
Endowments provide donors with opportunities to create living legacies and touch the lives of future generations.
Share your Spartan Story
Our story is a powerful one. We began in 1891 to provide women with access to a college education. Today, we light the way for a vast array of students from all backgrounds and circumstances.
Every Spartan has a story. What’s yours?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of Light the Way?
Light the Way is a comprehensive campaign that will propel UNC Greensboro to a future brilliant with possibility by raising funds to strengthen three key areas: access, excellence, and impact.
What is a comprehensive campaign?
Universities use campaigns to organize purposeful, time-driven efforts to generate philanthropic and volunteer support. It is a platform that allows the University to rally its constituents around a common vision. During a comprehensive campaign, the vision is frequently centered around essential functions and innovative projects instead of focusing only on infrastructure, as is the case in capital campaigns.
What is the financial goal of Light the Way?
Light the Way seeks to raise $200 million: $100 million to increase access through scholarships, $40 million to further excellence by establishing 40 additional endowed professorships, and $60 million to create new academic programs, invest in research and development, support athletics, engage with our community, and strengthen our presence regionally and beyond.
How were the campaign ambitions (access, excellence, impact) established?
The ambitions were chosen based on UNCG’s most recent strategic plan. Funds raised during Light the Way will support UNCG’s initiatives to transform students, knowledge, and the region by improving health and wellness, creating vibrant communities, and making global connections.
When did the campaign begin?
The quiet phase of the campaign began on July 1, 2016. The public phase of the campaign launched on October 1, 2021.
When does the campaign end?
Our current plan is to conclude the campaign by June 30, 2025.
How is a campaign different from “normal” fundraising?
Annual fundraising is critical to the success of the University. The campaign, however, is a launching pad for UNCG to take giant steps to achieve more and do more.
Why does a state university need a private fundraising campaign?
Several types of funding make up the revenue model of public universities. These sources include state appropriations, student tuition and fees, private gifts, grants, and corporate and foundation partnerships. Philanthropic giving plays a significant role in the sustainability and success of state universities.
What are endowed funds, and why are they important?
Endowed funds are meant to be permanent. Your donation is invested by the University with the interest income used toward the specified purpose — such as a scholarship or professorship. Endowments are critical to providing reliable support in perpetuity.
Does a gift that I direct to a specific fund or program still count toward the Light the Way campaign?
Yes! Any gift made during the campaign supports Light the Way and brings UNCG one step closer to the campaign’s access, excellence, and impact goals.
How can I give to Light the Way?
Learn more about the ways you can carry the torch and Light the Way. You can also make a gift now at giveto.uncg.edu.
What types of gifts are accepted during the campaign?
Options for donating are flexible and designed to meet your needs. You can support the campaign by making an online donation, a gift by mail, monthly installments, a bequest or charitable trust, employer-matched gifts, stock transfers, and more. Learn more about your options for giving or contact Kelly Caudle (kelly_caudle@uncg.edu) via email or phone at (336) 256-1244.