Spelman Ascends is important because the funds we raise will keep our students, faculty, staff and the College soaring. We set out to gain support for students by increasing financial aid. We seized this opportunity to support faculty with endowed professorships. We have greatly improved our technology infrastructure. We are on the road to building our first new academic facility in 20 years, a Center for Innovation & the Arts, and we are pioneering exciting new academic programs at Spelman even as we support our existing strengths.

The College initiated this campaign a little over three and a half years ago with the audacious goal of raising $250 million. Today, thanks to the ongoing generous support of friends and donors, Spelman has been able to raise more than $240 million – 96 percent of the overall campaign goal.

Although fundraising efforts are going strong, the College still needs to reach the finish line. We are confident that with our community linking arms with us, we will go far beyond the original goal!

A special thank you to all who made the virtual campaign launch possible, including those in the divisions of Institutional Advancement, Spelman Technology Service and Business and Financial Affairs, as well as the Office of Communications. We are also grateful to the Division of Student Affairs for planning a launch viewing party and reception that allowed on-campus students to come together for a physically-distanced celebration.

Spelman's appreciation goes to Jessie Brooks, Erica Lamberson, Nelson Thomas, Keisha Leverette, Jihan Lang, Tiffany Hemby, Sheila Cook, Naima Porter Sparks, John Wilson, Bryan Simmons, Xavier Souder, Furery Reid, Kyon Dorsey, Joyce Davis, Ingrid Scurry Lassiter, Jazmyn Burton, Allison Howard, Angela Wood, C’90, Mashaun D. Simon, Ashli Washington, DaNita McClain, C'2004, Darryl Holloman, Ph.D., Allison Cummings, Arvelle Hodge, Bonnie Taylor, Chris Lockerman, Dana Lloyd, Desiree Mack, Dawn Alston, Jackie James, Art Frazier, the Spelman College Glee Club, Dr. Kevin Johnson and Valentine Williamson, C’2013.

Thank you and keep the faith.