Fordham University raised more than $86.2 million in the fiscal year ending July 1, the largest amount in the University’s history. This total (well in excess of the $60 million goal set for the year) brings Excelsior | Ever Upward | The Campaign for Fordham to $415.8 million, including gifts from members of the Board of Trustees of more than $152 million.
“First and foremost, I thank our generous donors,” said Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham. “Their generosity, and their devotion to Fordham and its mission, have been nothing short of spectacular.
“I must also thank the campaign co-chairs, Jim Buckman, Darlene Jordan and Jack Kehoe, for their remarkable and energetic leadership,” Likewise the University owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the entire Board of Trustees, chaired by John Tognino, and all of the campaign volunteers. Their wise counsel and tireless efforts have achieved more than we could possibly have hoped for this year,” Father McShane said.
The campaign total for scholarship support is now at 115 percent, and academic support at 101 percent of their respective goals. Alumni participation in the Annual Fund—a key indicator of support for University priorities—continued to increase, reaching 28 percent this year. The campaign total does not include a $1 million gift for scholarships from the Bloomberg Foundation, received on July 1. Before the campaign ends, the University will have to raise another $85 million for unmet needs in endowed professorships and several crucial building projects.
“I think the year we’ve had speaks to tremendous support Fordham’s mission enjoys from its alumni and friends,” said Roger A. Milici Jr., vice president for development and University relations. “We’re gratified at the amount we’ve raised this year, but its impact is more important than the number itself. Our donors care deeply about what we do here, about the students we educate—like Abraham Mercado, Fordham’s eighth Truman Scholar, and Cristina Vignone Fordham’s first Beinecke Scholar. What these numbers mean is that we can educate more students—many of whom could not otherwise afford a Fordham education—in greater depth and with cutting-edge tools and facilities.”
As the campaign total climbs, the University is seeing its tangible results: this year Fordham opened Campbell-Conley-Salice Halls; broke ground on the most ambitious capital project in its history, the first stage of which is a new Law School and undergraduate residence hall; and began the renovation of the future home of the Gabelli School of Business.
“I know the Board of Trustees joins me in congratulating Roger Milici and the entire Development and University Relations team for a year of impressive achievements—our annus mirabilis, if you will,” said Father McShane. “At the same time, we now focus on the year to come, and the work still to be done to achieve the ambitious goals that we have set for ourselves. I have every confidence that the Fordham family is up to the challenge.”
