President’s Letter
Category: President's Page
Dear UB Alumni and Friends,
By now you are aware of the overwhelming success of Uniquely UB: The Campaign for the University of Baltimore. The campaign exceeded its $40 million goal by more than $5 million, making it by far the most successful fundraising campaign in University of Baltimore history. Of course, the campaign success is really your success: The generosity of UB’s alumni and supporters has made this record-setting effort possible. On behalf of UB’s students, faculty and staff, I extend my personal thanks to the 11,000-plus donors who contributed to Uniquely UB.
The close of the campaign will inevitably lead to planning for the next one, but it’s also a chance to reflect on why we give. I’m sure there is no single answer. Some donors give to express gratitude for what UB has provided them. Others give in recognition of the University’s successful past and its bright future. Still others believe strongly in UB’s mission to teach students who may not be well served elsewhere. It may be all of these reasons and more.
The decision to give is ultimately a personal choice, informed by our values and by our experiences. My connection to UB and to the campaign is rooted in my own educational journey. When I was 16 and just beginning to think about college, my father died. He ran the family business, and so his passing could have significantly delayed—or even ended—my college dreams.
Instead, my brother Richard—three and a half years older than I and completing his sophomore year at Harvard—dropped out to take over the family business with our mother. While I went on to college, Richard kept the business going, paid the bills and completed his undergraduate education. He later attended law school at night, something that may resonate strongly with many UB graduates. Richard’s commitment was a reflection of our family’s values and is why I made my gift to Uniquely UB in honor of our parents, the children of immigrants who instilled in us the enduring value and importance of education.
I don’t know what would have happened to me without my brother’s generosity and ethic. What I do know is that not everyone is as fortunate as I was. I also know that University of Baltimore Foundation scholarships provide more than 1,000 UB students with the same type of opportunity that my brother provided me, and I am certain they’re equally grateful.
Uniquely UB is an anthology of more than 11,000 such stories, making this an aptly named campaign. Your story and support inspire all of us to continue to make the University of Baltimore the truly unique place it is.
Thank you again.
Robert L. Bogomolny
President, University of Baltimore