With more than $22 million raised during the first phase of I'M IN - The Endowment Campaign for Coastal Carolina University, school officials today have announced the launch of I'M IN 2. The goal is to raise an additional $20 million for the endowment by 2023.

The campaign's first phase goal was to raise $20 million by 2020. Highlights of the campaign, publicly launched in April 2016, include securing a 67 percent increase in endowed funds for student scholarships and academic programs, and the number of planned gifts increased by 250 percent.

A top priority of I'M IN has been endowed naming opportunities. Among those that have been established during phase one include the HTC Honors College and Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, the Brittain Family Scholars Program, the Richard Pilosof Financial Services Lab, the Peggy S. Shelley Early Childhood Lab School, the Dr. Subhash Saxena Mathematics Suite, the Delan and Lynn Stevens Tennis Complex, and the Joseph William and Frances Fields Holliday Science Dean's Suite. There also have been numerous endowed scholarships established as well as several anonymous major gifts.

"The tremendous early success of phase one of the I'M IN campaign is a direct result of our alumni, donors and friends recognizing and embracing the forward trajectory of Coastal Carolina University," said CCU President David A. DeCenzo. "We are extremely thankful for everyone's generosity and commitment to the University. The continuation of the campaign via I'M IN 2 is paramount as we look to provide financial support for current and future students who seek to earn a comprehensive liberal arts education at Coastal Carolina University."

As of June 30, 2018, CCU's endowment was approximately $44.6 million. According to DeCenzo, the University's endowment, when compared to the endowments of peer and aspirant institutions, should be closer to $100 million.

A 2017 endowment study by the National Association of College and University Business Officers has CCU ranked 674 out of 818 institutions based on market value.

The endowment delivers a steady stream of income for the University and grows largely through investments 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 continue to provide income from one generation to the next, building the financial foundation on which the future of CCU depends.

"If CCU is to continue to attract and retain the best and brightest students and faculty members, we must increase the size of our endowment," said Bryan Steros, CCU's interim vice president for philanthropy. "We are grateful that our constituents are responding to the I'M IN campaign in such a resounding way. Working together, we will ensure a very healthy future for Coastal Carolina University."

For more information about I'M IN 2, visit coastal.edu/endowment or contact CCU's Office for Philanthropy at 843.349.5039 or philanthropy@coastal.edu.