Campaign Arizona's February numbers lower than 12 other schools with similar campaigns

The UA's billion-dollar capital campaign brought in less money in February than any other of the 13 universities with similar efforts.

Campaign Arizona, which began its silent period in 1997 and will conclude in 2005, brought in $4 million last month.

The University of Texas at Austin raised the most last month - $158 million.

Other universities with similar campaigns, including Duke and Stanford, brought in more than $30 million.

Washington University in St. Louis raised slightly more than UA - with a February increase of $4.3 million.

Last year, the campaign brought in $3.4 million in February.

Tom Sanders, executive director of Campaign Arizona, said profits early in the year are normally lower than other months.

He said most large contributions are seen late in the year, when the holiday's role around and donors are thinking about tax season.

In an average year, Sanders said, the February numbers are fine because 20,000 of the campaign's 80,000 individual donations come in late in the year - particularly in November and December.

The $4 million increase brings the campaign's total up to $709 million.

UA President Peter Likins said it is natural for the campaign to taper after large donations last year.

"We're looking for $1 billion, and there are plenty of schools out there trying to do the same," Likins said.

Sanders said the dwindling state and national economy may have reduced contributions, but it is too soon to tell.

Most losses have occurred due to a drop in the stock market, which affected money donated for endowments, he said.

"The role the shifting economy has had is un-quantifiable," Sanders said.

Despite an ailing economy, donations were actually much higher in December 2001 than the year before.

In December 2001, the campaign saw an increase of $15.9 million. Funds increased by more than $50 million this past December.

The campaign gave operational money back to the university last semester for budget cuts, but Sanders said the campaign continues to be vital to UA.

He said with more cuts looming, there is a "new importance of raising money."

But he added that because state funding has been historically low in Arizona, the capital campaign has always held a great importance.

Sanders said month-by-month predictions of profits are difficult to generate because large donations or estate donations could come in unexpectedly.

The largest donations for Campaign Arizona have come from individuals, so Sanders said the campaign is reaching out to alumni - particularly in the local market.

Campaign Arizona is set to conclude in June 2005. So far, it has raised funds for the building of the Eddie Lynch Athletic Pavilion and a new dance complex by the Ina E. Gittings building.