Amazing! That is how to describe the successful conclusion of the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades’ Legacy Campaign, the largest capital campaign in the School’s 120-year history. President Paul A. Reid announced that the Legacy Campaign, which was announced in December 2007, had more than met the goal of $50 million. As of May 21, 2008, gifts and pledges to the Campaign have surpassed $62 million. The campaign is to formally conclude on June 30, 2008.
Back in September, 2003, Williamson’s Board of Trustees proposed a strategic plan with a fund raising initiative of $50 million. The goal was set to raise funding for expansion and repair of our buildings, as well as for growth and reliability of our giving to annual operations, and for endowment. Knowing that our previous campaign Into a Third Century raised $11 million toward a $10 million goal, the School moved ahead without the security of a well supported goal. Nonetheless, the Board knew what was needed and recognized the potential of the School to attract a transformational gift from one of Williamson’s existing donors.

The Board believed in the relevance of Williamson’s mission and knew that our goal set back in 2003 was not only essential, it as attainable. The Legacy Campaign will long be remembered for its many financial accomplishments, not the least withstanding the lasting impact it will surely have on Williamson’s future. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Legacy Campaign Steering Committee our students, alumni, faculty and staff, the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades thanks each and every one of the thousands of donors, volunteers and friends whose support made this campaign so amazing.