Dean Robert S. Hamada announced at the New York campaign celebration on October 19, 2000, that gifts totaled $104 million, with just under $25 million received from New York’area alumni. Total contributions now exceed $111 million toward the campaign’s current goal of $175 million. However, campaign co-chair Dennis Keller, ’68, said that he thought that “the actual goal over five years should begin with a ‘2.’”

“We already know this is a winning enterprise, ” Hamada told those attending the event. “What prompts our sense of confidence and encouragement is the dazzling scope of our plans and the enthusiastic conviction of those who have already stepped forward to support this campaign. ”

About 160 alumni and guests from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut attended the black tie event, held at Manhattan’s Pierre Hotel. Many of the region’s largest firms were represented, including Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Credit Suisse, and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter.

Other speakers at the celebration included campaign co-chair Andrew Alper, A.B. ’80, M.B.A. ’81, and new university president Don Michael Randel, who invited guests to participate in a champagne toast to the new campaign. Architect Raphael Viñoly gave a slide presentation on the new building, noting how the structure echoes both the Gothic buildings of the quads and the nearby Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Organizers also showed a video highlighting some of the needs of students and faculty, including a community space where students can work together and funding for faculty research.