UNC-Chapel Hill fundraising campaign brings in $2.38 billion

CHAPEL HILL (AP) — During an eight-year fundraising campaign, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has brought in $2.38 billion in donations.

The Carolina First campaign is the fifth-largest fundraising effort by a university in the United States.

The UNC campaign will formally end Thursday when the final gift is announced at a trustee meeting. The $9 million pledge will be given to the School of Pharmacy by Fred Eshelman. He is the chief executive officer of PPD, Inc., a global research company based in
Wilmington.

About $345 million was earmarked for 773 student fellowships and scholarships, and another $419 million will go to faculty, mostly to create 208 new endowed professorships.

Money also will be used for building improvements, research and new priorities such as infectious diseases and environmental programs.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)