More than 187,000 donors stepped up to raise an astounding $1.24 billion to support the University of Houston System. Now the historic success of the “Here, We Go” fundraising campaign is captured in a new documentary film, premiering August 31 at 7:00 p.m. central.
“Houston Steps Up” tells the rich story of the students, donors, volunteers, community and all those who made the University’s first capital campaign in nearly three decades a momentous success. It also highlights ambitious plans for the future. Anyone around the world can register for the virtual program here and a preview is now available online.
Over eight years, the “Here, We Go” campaign raised $1,235,427,334 for scholarships, professorships, facilities and programs, surpassing its $1 billion goal, 18 months ahead of schedule.
Donors came from all 50 states and 46 countries, with more than 133,000 new donors contributing to the campaign, highlighting the pride felt by alumni and friends.
“You can’t talk about the direction of the state without including the University of Houston directly in that conversation,” said Sylvester Turner, mayor of the City of Houston and UH class of ’77 alumnus, one of the many featured speakers in the documentary.
The unprecedented success of the institution’s most aggressive capital campaign ever fueled significant advancements at the four System institutions, including 29 new or renovated facilities. Across the UH campus, 12 additional research centers and institutes launched. Nearly $216 million was raised for new scholarships and fellowships, opening countless doors for students. And 55 endowed chairs and professorships were created, sparking innovative research and world-changing discoveries.
“The ‘Here, We Go,’ Campaign generated incredible momentum for the University System with support from across Houston and the world,” said Eloise Brice, vice chancellor for university advancement, UH System. “Our broad alumni base and incredibly generous donor family stepped up in a historic way and we are thrilled to share this new documentary film that shows not only what we have accomplished, but where we intend to go.”
The campaign began quietly in 2012 and launched publicly in early 2017 before concluding on August 31, 2020.
An anonymous donor made the campaign’s single largest contribution to the academic program – $50 million to build upon the University’s current strengths, support its ability to recruit renowned faculty and expand thought leadership around four complex, global issues that uniquely underpin the social, political and economic future of Houston and the world.
A pair of $20 million gifts enabled the renovation and construction of the Fertitta Center and the creation of the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts.
Learn more about the premiere of “Houston Steps Up” here.