UF announces "Go Greater" campaign to raise $3 billion

The University of Florida is trying to capitalize on its new top-ten ranking by raising three billion dollars as part of it's largest fundraising campaign in history, "Go Greater." An event at the O'Connell Center will celebrate the university's top ten status and look towards future goals.

The bells at Century Tower ring loud and proud at the 9th top rated public university in the nation.

UF Spokesperson Steve Orlando said, "It's something anybody who wears orange and blue ought to be very proud of."

The university is hoping to pick up momentum.

Chief Development Officer Joe Mandernach said, "The Gator Nation has always been very loyal to the university, we knew that, but now it's starting to elevate and the rest of the nation is taking note of that."

They're announcing the public phase of their ongoing fundraiser "Go Greater" tonight at the O'Connell Center.

"It's going to be a look back, kind of thanking people who helped us get here, but then give everyone in attendance an idea of what the university can become in driving impact, driving resources, driving research and helping students become an even greater institution," said Mandernach.

The university wants to raise $3 billion to create more faculty endowments, student scholarships, invest in infrastructure, and strengthen UF's national standing.

Mandernach said, "Much of it will be dedicated to student support, in the way of scholarships and resources to help students travel abroad in other areas."

They've already received $1.3 billion worth of donor committments.

The "Go Greater" campaign is expected to be complete in Fall of 2022.

"It's a really powerful message to send to our friends and alumni that this is a good institution, its getting greater," said Orlando.

The event starts at 7:30p at the O'Connell Center, free for all.