WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | "It Begins At Auburn" Soars Past Half-Billion Goal

"It Begins At Auburn" Soars Past Half-Billion Goal

Auburn University reached a milestone Thursday. The school's capital campaign has raised more than half a billion dollars in endowments. The campaign is called "It Begins at Auburn," and it's far from being over.

With a $5 million gift from a Birmingham couple to the College of Business, "It Begins at Auburn" hit the $500 million goal. The campaign kicked off in June 2002, with just a $25 donation from a student. It has grown to more than half a billion dollars, and there's still nine months to go.

"This is the stepping stone into the future for Auburn University. This campaign is going to take us into the position of not just a really good university, but a great university," said Sally Jones Hill, the campaign's co-chair.

"It Begins at Auburn" has already raised more than twice the amount of its last campaign in the 1990s. The money from this campaign will provide scholarships, faculty and programs. It will also fund libraries, museums and athletics both in Auburn and Auburn University Montgomery.