Temple says fund-raising campaign good but not great

Temple University expects to exceed its fund-raising campaign goal of $350 million by its December deadline, but not by as large of an amount as officials had originally anticipated.

"We're projecting to cross the finish line, but the question is just how far beyond we'll go," said Stuart P. Sullivan, senior vice president for institutional advancement.

Some donors who were considering giving seven- and eight-digit amounts are pulling back and saying "not right now," he said. The donors are asking Temple to come back in a year or two in the hope that the economy will be improving by then.

A year ago, Temple officials thought they would exceed the campaign goal by 10 percent to 20 percent, surpassing $400 million, Sullivan said. Now, their estimates are more conservative.

Temple president Ann Weaver Hart reported to the trustees during a meeting on Temple's Broad Street campus that the school had raised $328 million and today would announce a gift of $7.5 million to the law school. That gift is coming from a foundation, which she declined to disclose.

She also noted that the university had doubled the number of donors who had contributed $1,000 or more toward the campaign since it started in July 2002.

The funds being raised are going toward the endowment, new and upgraded facilities, research, and other programs.

Also yesterday, the Temple Student Labor Action group demonstrated in front of Sullivan Hall where the trustees meeting was held, complaining that labor unrest "threatens our education." Contracts with the faculty and other workers have expired.

"We're continuing to talk. We look forward to a resolution," Temple spokesman Ray Betzner said.