TWU Dream Big Campaign Tops $195 Million
The Texas Woman's University fundraising drive has surpassed its original $125 million goal by $70 million.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Texas Woman's University's Dream Big campaign has surpassed $195 million, exceeding its original $125 million goal by $70 million, the university announced at its Dream Makers Soirée on October 24, 2026. The campaign launched publicly in September 2023 and passed its initial goal in August 2024.
Why it matters
The total reflects a significant level of private giving to the Denton-based university, with the campaign now expected to reach a new milestone of $200 million. The results come as the university expands its academic and athletic facilities for Denton students and the wider Texas community.
The Dream Big campaign has raised $195 million against an original goal of $125 million, a $70 million overage. Donor-level breakdowns and the split between cash received and pledged funds have not been released.
The players
Texas Woman's University
A public university in Denton, Texas, founded in 1901 and historically known as a women's institution that now enrolls students of all genders across its Denton, Dallas and Houston campuses.
Merrilee Kick
A philanthropist whose $30 million gift to the business college of Texas Woman's University was one of the largest contributions to the Dream Big campaign.
The details
Texas Woman's University publicly launched the Dream Big campaign in September 2023 as its first major fundraising effort. Individual donors have driven the totals, including a $30 million gift from Merrilee Kick to the university's business college.
Timeline
September 2023: Dream Big campaign publicly launched.
August 2024: Campaign passed its initial $125 million goal.
October 24, 2026: Dream Makers Soirée held and $195 million total announced.
Market Landscape
The campaign's $70 million overage over its original $125 million goal places TWU's fundraising ahead of the target it set when Dream Big launched in September 2023. The university's results come as it grows its physical footprint, including the $107 million Health Sciences Center opened in February 2026.
Students and families in Denton and across Texas may see expanded academic offerings, including the planned mechanical engineering degree starting as soon as fall 2027. The $335 million fiscal 2027 operating budget frames how new programs and facilities will be funded.
The takeaway
Sustained private giving can fund major expansions in a university's facilities and academic programs, as Texas Woman's University has shown with its Dream Big results. Readers interested in similar institutional funding can track campaign updates as the university approaches its projected $200 million total.
What happens next
TWU plans to start offering mechanical engineering classes as soon as fall 2027, following the Board of Regents' approval of the degree in August 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage tied to Denton institutions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dallas Innovates.
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