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I am pleased to report that gifts to Boston University are
running well ahead of this time last year. Still, I cannot
stress strongly enough the importance of gift income to the
University’s continual advancement. We have an extraordinarily
strong faculty and student body, and our programs are among
the finest in the world. We do, however, urgently need significant
capital construction. As you know, the Student Village project
is well under way. When you drive up Commonwealth Avenue past
the old Armory site, you see machinery and dozens of workers
rapidly creating the future. Touring the construction site
yesterday, I learned that a certain number of steel girders
must be put in place every day — it was around 10 degrees
yesterday — in order to stay on schedule for the fall
of 2005 opening. Plans are on the drawing board for a number
of other capital projects, including a life sciences building,
computer science facilities, and a School of Law building.
All of these and many other projects are vitally important
to the future health of the University. With this in mind,
I urge you to direct gifts to unrestricted “bricks and
mortar” — and steel girders — over the next
few years.
But from time to time a special, immediate problem arises
that can only be addressed by an infusion of funds. Having
heard of such a need, I recently contemplated walking down
Commonwealth Avenue carrying a sign saying in bold letters,
“BU needs organ donors.” Although I may often
get carried away in my enthusiasm for fundraising, this was
not one of those moments. I had just learned that the organ
at Marsh Chapel — made by the famed Canadian company
Casavant Frées Limited and considered one of the best
in New England — is losing its voice. The organ has
been a vital part of Marsh Chapel both in its ecumenical services
and in frequent concerts since the chapel opened in 1950.
Now, without immediate attention and rebuilding, it will soon
fall silent. Fully restoring the organ will require $400,000.
So, while I am not (yet) asking you to donate your organs
to Boston University (though I do encourage giving to science
generally), I do hope that those of you who have a particular
interest in Marsh Chapel, in organ music, or simply in helping
the University solve an immediate, short-term problem will
consider sending a check.
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| Chris Reaske at Marsh Chapel with summer series
organist, Rev. John Andrew Ross. Photo by Jim Flynn. |
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Finally, I am happy to report good progress during this quiet
phase of the capital campaign. Our goal is to reach a total
of $300 million in combined gifts and pledges by June 30 of
this year. In mid-February, we are at $233 million, and the
goal seems very achievable. I thank you for your continuing
support and good wishes. While I know that philanthropy is
being pinched from every side, I do hope that you will continue
to keep Boston University among your top priorities in giving.
Again, my sincere thanks for all that you do for Boston University.
Best wishes for a happy spring.
Cordially,
Christopher R. Reaske
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