Bloomsburg University Foundation concludes historic campaign following record-breaking success

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Following the successful achievement of its $100 million fundraising goal more than a year ahead of schedule, the Bloomsburg University Foundation has officially concluded The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us.

Publicly launched in October 2024, the campaign was projected to reach its $100 million goal by June 30, 2027. By the campaign's conclusion, more than $103.7 million had been raised in support of scholarships, academic programs, facilities and student experiences, making It Starts With Us the most successful fundraising campaign in Bloomsburg's history and one of the most ambitious private fundraising campaigns in the history of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education.

Building upon the success of Bloomsburg's previous $62 million campaign, It's Personal, The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us was guided by three strategic pillars - attract, elevate and prepare our students.

The campaign's success was fueled by 19,432 donors and 4,531 volunteers who helped advance its mission. Along the way, supporters established 246 new scholarships, made 20 seven- and eight-figure gifts and helped provide nearly $19 million in direct scholarship support to Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg students. During the campaign period, 11,299 students received scholarships to help with tuition and professional experience grants to offset the cost of experiential learning opportunities through the Bloomsburg University Foundation, ensuring greater access, opportunity and support for future Huskies.

Beyond the numbers, the campaign transformed the Bloomsburg experience through investments that will benefit students for generations. Philanthropic support helped establish the Steph and Allie Pettit Center for the Arts, renovate the James H. McCormick Human Services Building, expand the Breiner School of Nursing and the Eileen G. Jones Honors College, and strengthen signature learning spaces, including the Confer Media Center, Diehl Center for Law School Preparation, McDowell Institute and Nursing Simulation Center. The campaign also enhanced experiential learning opportunities and other high-impact educational experiences that prepare students for successful careers and meaningful lives.

Commonwealth University President Jeff Osgood praised the generations of supporters whose philanthropy made the campaign's success possible.

"While I had the privilege of joining Commonwealth University near the end of this campaign, it didn't take long to understand just how much this achievement means to the Bloomsburg community," Osgood said. "This success was built through years of dedication, generosity and a shared commitment to student success. The impact of these investments will be felt for generations, and I'm excited to help build on this momentum as we continue creating opportunities for students and strengthening Bloomsburg's future."

Julie Breiner '77, campaign steering committee co-chair said the decision to conclude the campaign reflects the extraordinary success achieved by the Bloomsburg community.

"When we launched this campaign, we set an ambitious goal because we believed in what Bloomsburg could accomplish," Breiner said. "To not only meet that goal but exceed it and conclude the campaign ahead of schedule is something our entire university community should be proud of. This achievement reflects the confidence so many alumni and friends have in our students and the grit that makes us who we are."

Stephen J. Jones '83, campaign steering committee co-chair said the campaign demonstrated the power of a community united around a shared purpose.

"Serving as a campaign co-chair has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time as an alumnus," Jones said. "I've had the opportunity to see firsthand how deeply people care about Bloomsburg and how willing they are to invest in its students. Surpassing our goal and bringing this campaign to a successful close is a testament to the strength of the Husky community and all that we can accomplish together."

The Bloomsburg University Foundation will recognize and celebrate the success of The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us during Homecoming festivities this fall, honoring the alumni, donors, volunteers and university partners whose generosity and dedication made the campaign's historic success possible.

Erik Evans, vice president for advancement, said the campaign's conclusion provides an opportunity to celebrate an achievement that belongs to the entire Bloomsburg community.

"This campaign has always been about creating opportunities for students, and the results speak for themselves," Evans said. "Reaching and surpassing $100 million is an extraordinary accomplishment and a testament to the generosity of our alumni and donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the unwavering commitment of our Foundation Board, Alumni Board, staff and university partners. In advancement, we're always looking ahead because as one campaign concludes, planning for the next is already underway. But before we turn our focus to what's next, it's important to pause and celebrate what this community has accomplished together. This achievement belongs to everyone who believed in Bloomsburg and chose to invest in our students."

This year also marked another significant achievement for the Bloomsburg University Foundation, as its endowment exceeded $100 million for the first time in the organization's history. The milestone further strengthens the Foundation's ability to provide scholarships, support innovative programs and create transformational opportunities for students well into the future.

Jerome Dvorak, Bloomsburg University Foundation executive director, said the campaign's success reflects a shared commitment between the Foundation and the university to keep students at the center of every decision.

"Our North Star has always been our students," Dvorak said. "One of the greatest strengths of the Bloomsburg University Foundation is our close partnership with the university. Because we share a common vision and work toward the same goals, we're able to turn the generosity of our donors into meaningful investments that strengthen the student experience and position Bloomsburg for continued success.

While The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us has officially concluded, the Foundation's commitment to supporting students and advancing the university's mission remains stronger than ever. The relationships built, opportunities created and momentum generated through the campaign will continue to benefit Bloomsburg students for years to come.

Categories:

• Foundation - Bloomsburg
• Fundraiser
• Scholarships
• Student Success

Tags:

• Fundraiser