Iowa State University’s nine-year “Forever True, For Iowa State” fundraising campaign closed out earlier this summer after involving more than 96,000 donors in exceeding the campaign’s $1.5 billion goal, the university reported. Among the donors were 35,508 who made first-time gifts to the university, while 3,828 businesses or organizations donated. A total of 58,231 ISU alumni also gave during the campaign. Donors from all 50 states and 49 countries gave, and hundreds of volunteers gave their time and talent to help advance the university through the campaign. “The campaign’s extraordinary achievement directly shows the generosity of Iowans and people from across the world and the dedication they have to Iowa State, especially during challenging times,” said Jon Fleming, a 1975 Iowa State graduate who served as the Forever True, For Iowa State campaign chair. The support from Iowa State donors exceeded the campaign’s goal twice. In 2019, the campaign reached its initial goal of $1.1 billion two years ahead of schedule. Donors stepped up to the challenge of an increased target of $1.5 billion by June 30. ISU President Wendy Wintersteen said in a statement: “The historic success of the campaign is a testament to Iowa State University’s powerful impact – providing access to an excellent education, conducting innovative and impactful research, and ensuring science-based resources and programs are widely available through extension and outreach. We are deeply grateful for the generous investments made by tens of thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations who recognize Iowa State’s unique value to the state, nation and world.”