If you live in Hampton Roads, you have probably heard by now about your alma mater's plans to raise more than $48 million in its first-ever capital campaign, The Campaign for Old Dominion University.

But whether you live near Old Dominion or outside the area, I invite you to join in this essential and exhilarating endeavor. I am excited and honored to be part of this effort. Many people have said it's long overdue, but we think we've waited for the right time to be recognized for our accomplishments.

And those accomplishments are quite extensive. Old Dominion graduates provide more employees to the Hampton Roads region than any other university; our economic impact exceeds $500 million; we enjoy the status of being a major research university, thanks to our many partnerships with, among others, the Joint Training,Analysis and Simulation Center, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility and NASA; and we have become nationally recognized for our burgeoning distance learning program, TELETECHNET, which brings university classes to remote areas throughout Virginia and beyond.

In short, we think we have the right stuff to build a university for the 21st century.

You may ask, "Why does Old Dominion need money?" Only 20 percent of the university's annual budget comes from state funds. Virginia ranks 43rd in college funding on the national level. At the same time, tuition caps have been imposed by the state. This combination of factors means that all our downsizing and streamlining are virtually catch-up strategies. This capital campaign will help ensure our future role in higher education.

The Hampton Roads community and its business leaders have already answered a resounding YES to our bids for support. Amazingly, of the $25 million in pledges we received during the lead and advance phase of the capital campaign, 90 percent came from non-alumni. Through their pledges, these business leaders have demonstrated their appreciation for what Old Dominion University has done for the region. Now, it's our turn to recognize Old Dominion's contributions to our lives and careers by supporting this campaign. There are lots of opportunities for participation. I urge you to join your fellow graduates and say "Yes" to The Campaign for Old Dominion University. Let's make it happen together!

Sincerely,

William E. Lobeck Jr. '63
National Campaign Chair