University Affairs

USU Introduces Initiative-Driven Impact Campaign

By Maren Aller |

Utah State University and the USU Foundation Board have officially launched the Create Your Aggie Impact Campaign. The initiative-driven fundraising campaign focuses on four priorities that are centered around outcomes that accelerate student access and opportunity, elevate the education experience, develop solutions to the world’s challenges and build a university of distinction.

The campaign, which reflects USU’s excellence as the state of Utah’s land-grant and space-grant institution, pairs donors’ passions with fundraising goals that promote growth and enhancement initiatives in every area of the university.

“Being an Aggie — whether you are a student, graduate or supporter — means you are part of something larger than yourself, something that really matters,” said USU President Noelle E. Cockett. “In true Aggie fashion, this campaign is not an ordinary one. We invite you to create your own Aggie impact by identifying and investing in the USU area that means the most to you. Your support will help USU achieve its vision of empowering people to live lives of involvement, innovation and impact. We have chosen this path because we value you and we value all of your contributions.”

The campaign focuses on priorities to propel the university into success for many generations to come and closely aligns with university priorities highlighted in USU’s Strategic Plan, Aggie Action 2028.

The campaign’s first priority, a commitment to Accelerating Access and Opportunity, focuses on student access and success by raising money for student scholarships, programs and special-use funds.

Marshall Crawford, current chair of USU’s Foundation Board and senior advisor for the U.S. Treasury International Affairs Office of Technical Assistance, said that, for him, becoming an Aggie was a gift.

“Utah State changed my life,” Crawford said. “I loved how my USU experiences transformed me by exposing me to so many opportunities. Create Your Aggie Impact provides the same kind of opportunities I had for the next generation. Your support matters — it will change the lives of so many of our nearly 28,000 students on multiple campuses throughout the state today and well into the future.”

The second priority focuses on Elevating the Educational Experience, where the university aims to recruit the best and brightest faculty who will improve the college experience for every student. The third priority,Developing Solutions to the World’s Challenges, is highlighting the university’s strength as a Carnegie R1 Research Institution in order to push boundaries in pursuit of discoveries and also empower undergraduate and graduate students with hands-on research experiences on the front lines of groundbreaking innovation. Finally, Building a University of Distinction reflects the institution’s commitment to excellence and supports enhancements and expansions, community outreach, enrichment projects, and innovative academic tools and resources that spur discoveries and economic development.

To demonstrate the importance of these campaign priorities, USU hosted a special kick-off event that transformed the Field House into an interactive and immersive environment where guests were invited to experience a glimpse of Utah State’s excellence. More than 250 supporters gathered and were able to visit with students, faculty and researchers in zones that showcased topics of expertise including land, water and air; health and wellness; languages and cultures; and mentorship and entrepreneurship. The topics aligned with both the campaign and Aggie Action 2028 that focuses on four pillars: Deliver an Exceptional Learning Experience; Drive Impactful Research and Creative Excellence; Build Prosperous Local and Global Communities; and Cultivate USU Community and Culture.

USU Vice President of Advancement and Foundation Board President Matt White said the event, meant to be a catalyst for future university philanthropy, was important in many ways.

“When Aggies come together, great things happen,” White said. “We are fortunate to have remarkable students, gifted faculty and supportive donors. Together, we are rising to our challenges and making impacts on campus, in our communities and around the world.”

More than 17,593 people have Created Aggie Impact with gifts to USU over the past two years. Including the 2021-2022 record-breaking fundraising year — during which more than $110 million was raised — the campaign has brought in a total of nearly $220 million to date and funded various initiatives including 292 new scholarship endowments.

The evening concluded with President Cockett encouraging everyone to Create Aggie Impact by giving to the area that is meaningful to them. In closing, the “A” atop historic Old Main tower shined blue in honor of the momentous occasion.

Learn more about the Create Your Aggie Impact campaign at visit usu.edu/advancement.

USU officially launched the Create Your Aggie Impact Campaign with a gala celebration in November. The campaign, which reflects USU's excellence as the state of Utah’s land-grant institution, pairs donors’ passions with fundraising goals that promote growth and enhancement initiatives in every area of the university. (Photo Credit: USU/Levi Sim)

USU President Noelle Cockett discusses why scholarships are important with alum and USU Foundation Board Member Brian Broadbent and current student Kayla Kraus, a first-generation scholar from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. (Photo Credit: USU/Levi Sim)

Brian Steed, executive director of USU's Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air, and Ellen Rossi, Janet Quinney Lawson’s granddaughter and JQL Foundation Board member, visit with guests during the celebration.

Students in the Caine Ensemble perform at the Create Your Aggie Impact launch event in the Field House on USU's Logan campus on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. (Photo Credit: USU/Levi Sim)

WRITER

Maren Aller
Senior Writer
Advancement
(435) 797-1355
maren.aller@usu.edu

CONTACT

Janette Robbins
Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications
Advancement
janette.robbins@usu.edu


TOPICS

Alumni 181stories Giving 81stories

Comments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page.

Next Story in University Affairs

See Also