Preserving the Past, Endowing the Future
Campaign Will Modernize Museum, Raise Profile

The University Museum's $55 million, six-year, 21st Century Campaign will bring the campus landmark building into the modern era and its acclaimed exhibits and artifacts to growing audiences around the country. In the words of the Campaign's subtitle, "Preserving the Past, Endowing the Future," the Campaign will renovate the Museum's most historic edifices while it endows the excavations, research, and collections that have given it an unrivaled reputation.

The University Museum's 21st Century Campaign is off to a promising start with leadership gifts from several of the Museum's most ardent supporters. Pictured at the kick-off ceremony are (l to r) Chair of the Museum Board of Overseers, John C. Hover II, C'65, WG'67; Penn President Judith Rodin, CW'66; University Emeritus Trustee, Museum Overseer Emeritus, and Campaign Chair, Charles K. Williams II, GR'78, HON'97; Museum Williams Director Jeremy A. Sabloff, C'64; Trustee Emerita Peggy Mainwaring, ED'47, HON'85; and Trustee Emeritus and Museum Overseer Emeritus, Bruce Mainwaring, C'47.

The oldest buildings, erected between 1899 and 1929, will be air-conditioned and equipped with year-round climate controls for visitor comfort and artifact protection. These include some of the best-known and most recognizable spaces such as the Harrison Rotunda, the West Wing, and the Egyptian Galleries.

Chairing the Campaign is Penn Emeritus Trustee and Museum Overseer Emeritus Charles K. Williams II, whose $16 million Campaign gift is designated for "underground and infrastructure improvements." His decision to support the least glamorous components of the Campaign—in his words, "things that are usually the hardest to raise money for"—reflects his longtime association with the Museum and his personal commitment to the project.

Museum Director Jeremy Sabloff told guests at the Campaign kickoff in February that the Williams gift was "a call for all of us who believe in the Museum's mission and vast potential to step forward and help make our vision a reality."

"I am confident that Dr. Williams's leadership...coupled with the energy and leadership of the Museum's Board of Overseers, and its many friends and supporters, we will rise to the challenge," he said.

The Campaign seeks endowed support for research and field projects, including the renowned Sumerian Dictionary Project, the first glossary of the world's oldest written language. Traveling exhibits that bring the Museum and its collections to audiences around the country will also receive support.

Launched at a gala reception amid the tombs of the pharaohs and Egyptian deities, the Campaign inspired a special appeal from President Judith Rodin. "We are fortunate to have wonderful friends who recognize both the value of the Museum and the need to support it," she said. "I look forward to seeing your names on a long list of donors five years from now."

Williams asked those present to join him "in supporting the remarkable spaces we have in these buildings."

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