Guilford College in Greensboro has exceeded its initial milestone fundraising goal of $2 million two weeks early. But they're raising the money amidst financial difficulties.
After years of accumulated debt, falling student enrollment, and then the arrival of COVID-19, Guilford College was poised to make major cuts —including more than two dozen faculty positions — in order to right the ship. But a network of Guilford alumni, parents, faculty, and staff proposed a different path forward: reach out to the Guilford community, raise $6 million by 2022, and retain the faculty.
Vice President of Advancement Ara Serjoie says he's excited about the show of support they've received thus far, but not surprised.
“Every member of our community really cares about Guilford College and is passionate about making sure that the college is able to survive these times,” says Serjoie.
He says $6 million is a high goal for budget relieving purposes, but he adds that at this time it's necessary.
“The opportunity here is really for Guilford to come up with strategies and deliberate approaches that cannot just bring us out of the current situation, but to really put us on a sustainable and thriving path for the future.”
The next major milestone will be the annual Day For Guilford on April 6, with matching gifts provided by Guilford alumni.