Unleashed campaign reaches milestone ahead of schedule

James Madison University President Jonathan R. Alger punctuated JMU’s annual Giving Day with a major announcement about Unleashed: The Campaign for James Madison University.

On March 23, Alger said Unleashed had surpassed its goal of $200 million. The eight-year fundraising campaign began in July 2014 and will conclude at the end of June 2022. “Many experts told us this was too bold, too grand a challenge for us … for you (JMU’s donors) … to meet,” the president said in his video address.

“Not only did you prove the experts wrong, but you did it in six-and-a-half years, not eight.  You did it in the midst of a global pandemic. And you did it together.” More than 56,500 donors have made gifts so far.

“Of course, we’re not done,” Alger continued, noting that student scholarships will be the focus of the rest of the campaign. “There are many deserving young people who still need help to realize their aspirations at JMU. It’s crucial for them that we sprint to the finish!”

The Unleashed campaign reached the $200 million mark in the midst of JMU’s Giving Day, an annual 24-hour event that unites alumni, parents, students, employees and friends of the university in supporting students by making gifts to the university and its programs all around campus.