Breaking Records, Empowering Students: BU Foundation Celebrates Historic Year of Giving

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2. Breaking Records, Empowering Students: BU Foundation Celebrates Historic Year of Giving

The Bloomsburg University Foundation (BUF) proudly announces $11.3 million in new gifts and pledges raised during the 2024-25 fiscal year, which ended June 30. This achievement follows last year's record-setting $26.2 million, underscoring BUF's central role in advancing The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us-the largest fundraising campaign in Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg's history.

"Every contribution to the BU Foundation is a powerful investment in our students' futures," said Commonwealth University (CU) Interim President Jeffrey L. Osgood. "The success of the past two years shows what's possible when we rally around a shared vision. As our campaign's momentum grows, we will continue to be amazed by what our community can accomplish for current and future Huskies. Philanthropy at this level strengthens the student experience while helping us attract and retain outstanding learners, ensuring CU-Bloomsburg remains a destination of choice for generations to come."

Now in its public phase, The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us has secured $89.2 million toward bring it within striking distance of its historic $100 million goal.

This year's results highlight the campaign's three pillars-Attract, Prepare, Elevate-which expand access, enrich experiences, and elevate outcomes for every student.
2024-25 fundraising milestones include:

• A record-breaking All-In Day of Giving with 2,800+ donors contributing over $310,000.
• $8+ million in direct student support-the largest single-year total in BUF history.
• 61 major gifts of $25,000 or more, fueling campaign momentum.
• $5.8 million in future gifts committed by 290 dedicated Golden Dome Society members, ensuring long-term financial stability and scholarship support for generations of Huskies.
• $5.2 million in immediate-use funding to meet today's student needs.

The Foundation's efforts have also grown CU-Bloomsburg's endowment to $92.5 million, providing enduring support for generations to come. The All-In Day of Giving exemplified the strength of the Bloomsburg community, with thousands of donors uniting to make a tangible impact. This collective effort, combined with the Foundation's focus on scholarships and programs, has directly supported countless students, reducing financial barriers and enabling them to engage fully in their education.

"Our donors' generosity is the heartbeat of our mission," said BUF Executive Director Jerome Dvorak. "From record-breaking giving days to transformative major gifts, every contribution strengthens The Campaign for Bloomsburg, It Starts With Us, and creates opportunities that change lives."

During FY '25, 1,433 CU-Bloomsburg students were directly supported through scholarships and Professional Experience Grants, with just over $2.5 million awarded to help them stay enrolled, reduce financial barriers, and pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.

For Trynity Delvecchio, a junior criminal justice major from Shamokin, scholarships are the reason she can continue her education at CU-Bloomsburg. "The only reason I am able to attend college today is because of scholarships and financial aid," she said. "Receiving this support makes a big difference, especially this year as I've been struggling financially more than in the past."

Trynity shared that she is deeply grateful for the generosity of donors whose gifts to scholarships make her education possible. "Without the support of my donors, I would not be able to get an education at a university," she said. "Their generosity allows me to pursue my goals and build a future that once felt out of reach."

This year, 4,656 donors contributed 10,434 gifts to BUF, with 2,157 making their very first gift. Nearly 80% of those gifts were under $250 and more than 90% under $1,000, showing how small acts of generosity add up to transformational impact.

"Philanthropy is the cornerstone of opportunity for our students," said CU Vice President for Advancement Erik Evans. "Our campaign is about more than reaching a dollar goal-it's about ensuring that we are positioned to thrive for decades to come. Together, we are building a lasting legacy of impact that will carry our students, alumni, and community forward. We wouldn't be where we are today without the vision and leadership of our campaign co-chairs, Steve Jones and Julie Breiner, and the dedication of our steering committee."

As the BU Foundation looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding access, enhancing equity, and ensuring that every student has the resources to succeed. To learn more about how you can support CU-Bloomsburg students through the Bloomsburg University Foundation, visit giving.bloomu.edu.

Categories:

• Scholarships

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• Philanthropy