$100 Million, 10 year endowment fund

Consistent with the theme adopted for the 2008 Reunion, a $100 million endowment fund will be launched to fund projects and programs that will accelerate the development of the university, especially in critical areas used in assessment by the ranking establishments. The fund will be raised over a five-year period and the deliberations at the event will cover the four key aspects related to the endowment: Management, Projects and Programs, Fundraising, and Costs associated with Fundraising and Management.

Management
A governing Board will need to be established for managing the endowment. The Board in turn will contract the services of a fund management company to invest the funds in financial instruments capable of generating very good returns at acceptable risk levels. Also, the Board will engage the services of companies or individuals with proven management skills to perform an initial assessment and recommend a set of projects and programs relevant to established objectives. The accepted projects and programs will subsequently be executed in accordance with their prioritization.

Projects and Programs
This will be governed by the expected initial assessment as well as the available funds. Some of these will be new projects and some could be supplemental to those already established and funded through other sources. It is expected that some that will be covered would include upgrading the campus computer network and systems, commercialization of research work, increasing and updating the volume of the libraries, integrated accounting and management systems, training and retraining of staff, and structured facilities maintenance plan.

Fundraising
A very reasonable and exhaustive plan will be presented for accomplishing the goal of generating the target of $100 million over the next five years. This plan will incorporate both the traditional methods of fundraising as well as some new innovative methods. This is designed to be a worldwide effort and will incorporate the efforts of all living alumni, friends of the university, and those supportive of education and development.

Costs Associated with Fundraising and Management
Eventually, the established Board will manage this function but means of minimizing this could be explored during the Reunion.

The goals are audacious but laudable because their attainment will help lay a good foundation for cultivating world leaders for future generations. It is pertinent to note that it is what we have done for others and the world that remains and is immortal. This is the more reason why we need the involvement of everyone. So please make the 2008 Reunion a priority destination!

Alumni Center Project (Great Ife Campus Nigeria)

This is a multipurpose building facility project that the OAU alumni association in Nigeria has started already. The facility will house the Secretariat of the Alumni Associations worldwide; it will have 3 star guest lodging facilities, conference and recreational facilities.  The project is at about 40% at completion stage and it is estimated that we will require N9 million (Naira) to complete it. At the 2006 Reunion Convention meeting, this project was adopted as a Great Ife Alumni worldwide project. Your generous contributions will bring about the quick completion of this laudable project.

Alumni Hall Project Phase 3 (On Campus Hostel for Students).

This is a hands on/direct labor project of the Alumni associations’ contributions to the development of our alma mater. The first two phases of the project comprising of one male and female hall each have been fully completed by the OAU alumni association in Nigeria. The 3rd and final phase is a block of rooms for PG students. This phase of the hostels building is about 50% completed and it is estimated that we will require about N40 million (Naira) to finish it up. At the 2006 Reunion Convention meeting, this project was adopted as a Great Ife Alumni worldwide project. Please send your generous contributions so that we may be able to assist the University community alleviate the problem of acute shortage of student accommodation on campus.

Campus Computerization Project
Our Computerization Project donations & pledges are growing and things are going well - that doesn't mean you shouldn't send us your own donation or pledge o! We are up to $30,000.00 as of July 21st, 2005, and our goal to complete the project is $50,000.00. So please don't stop pledging your support for our great alma mater.

The purpose of this project is to computerize the operations of the Student Records Department in the Registrar’s office. This is the department that processes our transcript requests.

Great Ife Alumni Association, Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter organized a fund-raiser on December 3, 2005 towards the renovation of the health center. Proceeds from the event, totaling the equivalent 800,000 Naira has been donated to OAU and it is expected that this will complete the renovation of the front building of the Campus Health Center, as well as the inner corridors of the rear building.

Kidney Dialysis Equipment donation to OAUTH. DFW branch sourced for refurbished kidney dialysis equipments from top US hospitals and shipped equipments to OAUTH in 2008.

Adopt-a-Room Project
This is a program which recognizes alumni who donates a minimum of $120 annually towards the renovation or maintenance of their chosen (former) room(s) in the halls of residence at Great Ife.
The names and years of residence in the room, of alumni supporting a particular room will be etched in a plaque at the entrance to the room for recognition. (Please indicate in your donation if you do not want this recognition)

Academic Endowments/Scholarships
The Alumni Association will facilitate the set up of any endowment or scholarship fund in respect of a specific academic discipline, department or faculty at Great Ife. Currently we have alumni members who are participating in this program individually or in a group.  Please send your proposals and inquiries to us today.

Please make your checks payable to:
Great Ife Alumni Association

And send to:
Great Ife Alumni Association
P.O. Box 421232,
Houston TX. 77242-1232

We encourage you to be part of any of these projects, by making a donation online now using PayPal. Click the button below!