School of Business Launches Target 2000 Campaign

In February 2008, the School of Business in partnership with TCNJ's Development and Alumni Affairs Office officially launched its Target 2000 campaign to raise awareness among our more than 7,000 alumni of our need. Today, state support for TCNJ's operating budget is only 37%, a substantial decline from more than 50% of our funding needs just a decade ago. This trend of reduced state funding is likely to accelerate over the next few years, reflecting below average growth in the NJ state economy, continued weakness in commercial and residential real estate, and long-term structural budget imbalances that need to be addressed. As a consequence, TCNJ and the School of Business will be more dependent than ever on the generosity of our alumni and other outside donors to help us fund the high quality programs that benefit our students and all of our stakeholders.

For the School of Business, we have a strategic goal of generating at least 2,000 gifts from our School of Business alumni. In 2007, our alumni contributed a total of 699 gifts which was a healthy increase from 2006. Greater participation from our alumni base provided needed financial support for a host of key strategic initiatives:

• Funding for our Financial Learning Center which now includes a Bloomberg Terminal and in the future would incorporate many additional features that simulate a real world trading experience. The Center has been particularly popular for our Finance Program, now the largest within our School and the Center serves as the home for our renowned Student Investment Fund managed by Dr. Buddy Mayo.
• Building a School of Business Endowment Fund that can help fund additional faculty research and support activities critical to faculty development and maintenance of AACSB accreditation, student research and leadership activities not presently covered by our own operating budget, and needed facilities enhancements that can foster a stronger sense of community for all of our constituencies.

Visit the Phonathon site to view photos of Business student volunteers during the Target 2000 calling campaign in February 2008.