I'M IN - The Endowment Campaign for Coastal Carolina University was publicly launched during an on-campus gala in the HTC Center on April 21. The goal of the campaign is to increase CCU's endowment by $20 million by 2020. In doing so, the University would gain approximately $800,000 in new funds annually to support student scholarships and academic excellence. To date, more than $6.8 million of the campaign goal has been raised. The endowment campaign is the first of its kind in the 62-year history of the University.

"Coastal Carolina University is experiencing remarkable progress," said CCU President David A. DeCenzo, Ph.D. "Our record enrollment of 10,000-plus students is a testament to the commitment and hard work of our board of trustees, administration, faculty and staff. The I'M IN campaign will ensure that our positive trajectory continues well into the future."

The campaign is strategically focused on clearing financial barriers that prevent the best and brightest students from achieving their greatest potential through higher education and on positioning CCU to support the highest quality academic programs. These measures ensure that the University can attract and retain the brightest students and the finest faculty to instruct and train these future leaders.

"We must increase the size of our endowment if we are to keep pace with an ever-changing educational environment, continue to expand our academic programs and provide greater access to students from a wide range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds," DeCenzo said. "I invite our alumni and friends to join us during this campaign, which will allow Coastal to remain a university of choice for students in South Carolina and beyond."

CCU's endowment delivers a steady stream of operating income to ensure the University provides access to a comprehensive liberal arts education. At $32.7 million, the endowment fund is relatively small compared to CCU's counterparts around the country. According to a 2016 endowment study by the National Association of College and University Business Officers, CCU is 695 on a list of 828 institutions ranked on market value.

The endowment grows largely through investment and from donations. Each year, only a portion of the income earned is spent while the remainder is returned to the principal for growth. Endowment gifts keep on growing and giving from one generation to the next, building the financial foundation on which the future of CCU depends.

"I am truly grateful for all of our alumni, parents, friends and corporations that continue to invest in our mission of educating tomorrow's leaders," said Mark Roach, vice president for philanthropy at CCU. "Through our collective determination, the I'M IN endowment campaign will play a vital role in solidifying a promising future for Coastal Carolina University."

The campaign offers the following endowment opportunities and funding levels:

Student Scholarships

Nearly 85 percent of CCU's undergraduate students receive need-based scholarships or financial aid totaling more than $140 million annually. The University has seen a steady increase in the need for such support. Endowed student scholarships begin at $40,000.

Academic Programs

Endowments generate much-needed continuing income for the University's academic programs. Program funds provide an important resource for deans, directors and department chairs to meet the highest priorities of their departments, as well as to take advantage of unique opportunities that arise for which there is not current funding.

Professorships/Chairs

An endowed professorship or chair is the highest academic award CCU can bestow on a faculty member. These awards begin at $250,000 and $500,000, respectively, and foster academic research and provide salary support.

Naming Opportunities

Naming opportunities at CCU range from buildings to labs to scholarships. These endowments are created with a single donation, a multiyear gift or through an estate plan. Donors may wish to recognize or encourage achievement, celebrate a family legacy or memorialize a parent, a professor or other loved one.

TEAL 1000

TEAL 1000 allows individuals and business owners to show their support and appreciation for CCU by making an annual investment of $1,000. Revenue from all TEAL 1000 donations goes into an endowed fund, and the interest supports scholarships for students from Horry and Georgetown counties.

Women in Philanthropy and Leadership

Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL) for CCU transforms the lives of students and makes a difference in the greater community by leveraging the impact of women and their donations of time, talent and resources. WIPL was formed in 2007 under the leadership of CCU First Lady Terri DeCenzo with faculty, staff and some of the area's leading philanthropists and business professionals. Through collective giving, the pooled resources provide scholarships to deserving CCU students and support leadership programs. WIPL also presents the annual Women's Leadership Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women.

For more information about I'M IN - The Endowment Campaign for Coastal Carolina University, visit coastal.edu/endowment or contact CCU's Office for Philanthropy at 843-349-2007 or philanthropy@coastal.edu.