To: The Societies of the University
From: T.I.L.K.A.
Date: July 13, 2011
RE: Rotunda Fundraising Challenge
Earlier this year it was announced that the marble capitals of the Rotunda, the heart of Jefferson’s academical village, were crumbling. Further investigation led to the discovery that the roof was leaking and needed immediate repair. Regrettably, over the past year the pristine image of the Rotunda has been tarnished by protective netting necessary to prevent the further deterioration of the capitals. President Sullivan has stated that repair and restoration of the Rotunda is her highest priority for fundraising.
In September of 2010, the Board of Visitors approved a $23 million plan to make the needed repairs with an additional $28 million allocated for secondary improvements to be made over the next five years. Thirteen million of the funding was supposed to come from the state, but the legislature has approved only $2.7 million in the 2011 budget, a trite fraction of this $51 million undertaking. The remainder must come from private funds and donations.
T.I.L.K.A. believes this presents a unique opportunity for the Societies to unite and meaningfully contribute to the restoration of the heart of the University. Our Alumni Committee has voted to organize a campaign to raise $300,000 from our members and we respectfully challenge each of the other honorable Societies to do the same. If the Societies of the University could together raise at least $1 million towards the Rotunda restoration effort, President Sullivan would be able to announce a unified effort by the University’s most loyal organizations to restore the most significant building of Jefferson’s original design.
If you are interested, please contact Nelson Edmunds or Donate Online on behalf of your society today. Mailed donations may be sent to UVA Fund c/o Rotunda Challenge P.O. Box 400314 Charlottesville, VA 22904. When we are able to gauge your collective response, we will provide details regarding how our efforts might be appropriately commemorated. The Societies have made indelible marks in the storied history of the University. Let us make a bold one together. Please rise to this challenge.
Yours truly,
Jesse T. Ellington IV ’12
T.I.L.K.A.