THE University of Western Australia last week launched a $25 million fundraising campaign to raise money for its ambitious business school development. Launched by UWA Chancellor Dr Michael Chaney AO, the campaign will raise money for the development of initiatives to retain talented students in Western Australia, as well as providing funding for endowed chairs, scholarships, visiting fellows, and guest lecture series. Some of the funding will assist with construction of the new business school building at the southern end of campus. Significant contributors to date include Woodside (over $5 million) and Wesfarmers (over $1 million), as well as major partners Alinta and Ernst & Young, each donating $300,000. More than $11.5 million was secured prior to the launch, with more than 44 sponsorships, pledges and donations secured to date. Manager of the UWA Business School campaign Rhonda Flottman said the launch was intended to thank existing donors, profile the campaign and encourage involvement from other companies. “At the moment, we are halfway to our target. We’ve raised over $12 million in monies pledged and received, which is exceptional not only in Perth but in Australia” Ms Flottman told WA Business News. “We would hope to have raised our target by the time we open the new building in early 2008.”