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The ������ý��׿�ƽ��’s Campaign for Scholarships has reached its goal of raising $4.5 million – more than two years ahead of schedule.

But the university won’t close the campaign’s ledger early. It will set the bar higher because students’ needs for financial assistance are so great, ������ý��׿�ƽ�� Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie said Monday. The new target is $6.5 million, to be raised before the original campaign deadline of December 2014.

Savoie said the university is invigorated by the fund drive’s early success.

“The fact that the campaign goal was reached so far ahead of our campaign deadline is a testament to the belief in our students and educational programs by so many alumni and supporters. We are very grateful to donors who recognize the importance of helping students in their journey to earn a college degree,” he said. The Campaign for Scholarships is ������ý��׿�ƽ�� Lafayette’s first campaign devoted solely to raising money for scholarships.

“Since the campaign began in July 2009 many new donors have established scholarships. Some scholarships that existed at the start of the campaign have been increased. Donors who have supported this scholarship campaign are playing a critical role in helping to position ������ý��׿�ƽ�� Lafayette as a leading university in the preparation of men and women who will be lifelong contributors to their professions and communities,” Savoie said.

������ý��׿�ƽ�� Lafayette’s Office of Development launched the public phase of the fund drive in April 2011. It also announced that author Rebecca Wells, best known for her book Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, would be its honorary chair.

David P. Comeaux, interim director of Development at ������ý��׿�ƽ�� Lafayette, said the campaign is focused on funding endowed scholarships but all contributions will help reach the $6.5 million goal. Endowed scholarships are investments managed by the ������ý��׿�ƽ�� Lafayette Foundation. They are perpetual sources of funding because the principal is left untouched. Only a portion of the earned interest is spent.

“A donor may establish a named, endowed scholarship with a minimum gift of $10,000,” Comeaux said. Donors may also choose to support students in a particular field of study.

For more information about establishing a new scholarship or contributing to a current scholarship, phone the ������ý��׿�ƽ�� Lafayette Office of Development at (337) 482-0922 or send an e-mail to gift@louisiana.edu.