BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana University launched the public phase of its first-ever university-wide philanthropic campaign with a donor event Sept. 26 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign has set a record goal of $2.5 billion to be raised by 2020.

“The bold goals of the bicentennial campaign, which are the most ambitious in Indiana University’s history and among the largest ever by a public university, will set Indiana University on the course for greatness in its third century,” said IU President Michael A. McRobbie. “Built on our strategic priorities, this unprecedented undertaking will fulfill IU’s promise to change the way we live through path-breaking research, innovative academic programs, unparalleled international engagement and an accessible and exceptionally valuable education.”

To date, the campaign has raised nearly $1.2 billion with the participation of almost 204,000 donors, McRobbie said.

Indiana University Southeast is gearing up to play its own role in the For All campaign, which involves all of IU’s campuses across the state.

“IU Southeast is an integral part of IU family, and, as a strong regional campus, it’s an exciting time to be part of a $2.5 billion campaign,” said IU Southeast Chancellor Ray Wallace. “Our campaign will primarily be used to attract more scholarship donors. We hope to be able to attract some donors that will build some new buildings or add some new classroom activities or help us with endowed professorships.”

IU Southeast will announce its own part of the campaign on Dec. 4.

“The level of philanthropy in this area is very good,” he said. “We have to say a big ‘thank you’ to previous donors and a great welcome to the new donors. We’re in a good spot here as the strongest comprehensive public university in the area. We’ll see a lot of people helping us.”

The For All campaign will support four broad university priorities that reflect the central goals of The Bicentennial Strategic Plan for Indiana University, approved by IU trustees last year. The priorities are: enabling student success and support; creating the next generation of global leaders; recruiting and retaining the best and most creative faculty who will lead the discoveries and innovations that transform how we live; and creating a healthier state, nation and world.