Wilberforce University, which was placed on probation last year by a regional accrediting agency for running a deficit of more than $19 million in fiscal year 2017, has launched a campaign to raise $2 million in 60 days.
Wilberforce president Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard announced that the “Wilberforce Unite” campaign is hoped to meet the university’s need for flexible and unrestricted income to support student aid, facility enhancements, faculty and staff development and academic programs. 
More specifically, the most urgent needs at the nation’s first private historically Black college are repairs to residence halls and planning for future housing; technology upgrades to help students remain competitive and to enhanced teaching; enhancement of academic and student-enrichment programs; renovations to the library and classrooms; competitive compensation and professional development for faculty and staff; more scholarships and funding to stabilize the school’s financial footing.
The university is accepting donations online and by mail to the school’s office of Institutional Advancement, 1055 N. Bickett Rd., P.O. Box 1001, Wilberforce, Ohio, 45384. To speak with someone about including Wilberforce in estate plans, call 937-708-5701.
Bennett College, a private and all-women HBCU, earlier this year raised more than $9 million in a two-month “Stand With Bennett” campaign to stave off loss of accreditation. The fundraising goal weas $5 million.
