ANN ARBOR, Jan. 19, 2008 (AP): The University of Michigan focused on collecting $2.5 billion in an ambitious fundraising effort. But with about a year to go, the Michigan Difference Campaign has raised pledges to the $2.8 billion mark. The campaign reached its $2.5 billion target about seven months ago.

Jerry May, vice president for development, says he wants to keep the momentum going. “Every time I meet with the development staff, I talk about how many days are left,'' he said.

The Ann Arbor News says May told the school’s Board of Regents had set a goal of $400 million in student support, but that campaign already has raised $442 million.

Information from: The Ann Arbor News, http://www.mlive.com/aanews