The difference a decade makes
Early October saw some of UEA’s wonderful donor community come together in the inspiring surroundings of Barber Surgeons' Hall in London to celebrate the culmination of the hugely successful Difference Campaign.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Richardson, reiterated his thanks to each and every supporter who contributed time, funds or expertise over the life of the campaign, stating:
“This year saw our groundbreaking Difference Campaign draw to a close with an incredible £100 million raised in pledges, charitable grants and donations in support of UEA’s pioneering research, student scholarship and campus development projects. We are so very grateful to each and every one of our supporters for helping to make this happen – this truly demonstrates the power that philanthropy has to change lives.”
The Difference Campaign launched in 2013 with the ambition to raise £50 million. But incredibly this target was surpassed and – 10-years on – the campaign reached an amazing £100 million which has been invested in supporting researchers and scientists to deliver cutting-edge solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges, including health and climate change.
To mark this momentous occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof David Richardson came together with UEA alumnus and Chair of The Difference Campaign, Dominic Christian and International Co-ordinator for Literature, Drama and Creative Writing, Professor Jean McNeil to give their heartfelt thanks to the outstanding support and generosity of our community of friends, alumni and donors for making this incredibly ambitious dream a reality.
“Of course” Prof David Richardson added, “none of this life-changing work could be possible without you - our wonderful philanthropic community. Together we have delivered these extraordinary achievements, and we are enormously grateful for your kindness and generosity.”
Since its inception, The Difference Campaign has enabled UEA to create pioneering change on a global scale, supporting great advances into the diagnosis and treatment of prostate and childhood bone cancer, helping students not only access a university education, but flourish and prosper, and championing diverse voices in literature on a global scale.
Philanthropy has been at UEA’s heart since it was founded in 1963. So much of our work is made possible because of the power of our supporters. As we prepare to celebrate the 60th year of the University in 2023, we are already looking with great excitement to the future, to the next global challenges we will solve and our next great fundraising effort.
Thank you again to all our supporters for joining us on this extraordinary journey to fund and further UEA’s groundbreaking work.
Thank you for helping us to make a difference.