Norfolk State University launched the public phase of its most ambitious fundraising campaign in history on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The comprehensive initiative, titled “Now Is Our Time,” aims to raise $90 million and will culminate during the University’s 90th anniversary celebration in 2025. This marks only the second major fundraising campaign NSU has undertaken, with the first occurring 30 years ago.
At the reception for the campaign launch, NSU President Javaune Adams-Gaston emphasized the significance of the campaign. “The Now Is Our Time campaign is an investment in not only the future of our students but also for the future of Norfolk State to continue providing the very best educational opportunities for those who will enroll here for generations to come,” she stated.
Among the notable contributions announced during the launch event were gifts from several individuals and organizations, including:
- Mr. Tony and Mrs. Kim Brothers — $500,000
- The Lassiter Family — $300,000
- Mr. Gary and Mrs. Cookie McCollum — $250,000
- Rev. Jeffery Belfield and Mrs. Kathy Pope Belfield — $150,000
- Langley Federal Credit Union — $125,000
- Bishop Kim Brown & Elder Valerie Brown — $100,000
- The Estate of Mr. W.T. Mason, Jr. — $100,000
Additionally, various NSU affiliated boards made significant pledges, including:
- Board of Visitors — $6.7 million
- Now Is Our Time Campaign Steering Committee — $825,000
- NSU Alumni Association — $520,000
- Norfolk State University Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors — $423,000
- Norfolk State University Athletics Foundation Board of Directors — $101,000
The campaign has already seen a lead gift of $5 million from the Landmark Foundation, presented earlier this year.
A Campaign Supporting the Future of Norfolk
Donors can support the college, school, program, or cause of their choice, as the campaign prioritizes specific areas to enhance the student experience. Key focuses include:
Investing in People: Increasing scholarship funds to remove barriers to degree completion, thus enabling more students to enroll and succeed.
Strengthening Academic Programs: Investing in programs like the Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics and Applied Sciences and expanding partnerships with corporations such as Micron to enhance career opportunities for students.
Elevating Athletics: Providing additional scholarship and program funding to support student-athlete’s academic success and access enrichment programs.
Advancing Excellence Year After Year: Ensuring ongoing support for academic programs and student health through annual funding.
