Colgate University’s Campaign for the Third Century Reaches $750M Milestone

Colgate University has surpassed $750 million toward its $1 billion Campaign for the Third Century goal. The announcement comes as the University continues to pursue a series of priorities outlined in the Third-Century Plan, drawing on record-breaking levels of philanthropy to advance a long-term vision for Colgate's success.

"I offer my profound gratitude to all those who have brought Colgate to this milestone," says President Brian W. Casey. "Gifts to the Colgate Fund, to capital projects, the Colgate Commitment, endowed chairs, athletics - they remind us that our ambition for this scholarly community is an endeavor we pursue together for the benefit of our students, our faculty, our alumni, and for all those touched by the work of this university."

Since the beginning of the campaign, the University has added 16 new endowed faculty chairs, strengthening its academic program by elevating and honoring excellent teaching and research. Colgate has opened Burke Hall, Jane Pinchin Hall, and the Robert H.N. Ho Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior in a renovated Olin Hall. Bernstein Hall, made possible by a lead gift from Dan Benton '80, H'10, P'10, has become the anchor for the Middle Campus, devoted to arts, creativity, and innovation, and connected to the Academic Quad by Peter's Glen, fully funded by a gift from Peter L. Kellner '65, P'87, GP'16,'19.

The University has begun to rebuild and reimagine its West Campus with the opening of a renovated Delta Upsilon House at 66 Broad Street. New residences and renovations of existing buildings will continue in this academic year. The transformation of this neighborhood into a true part of the Colgate campus will continue with the support of major gifts from Kellner; J.P. Conte '85; Becky '81 and Christopher Hurley '81, P'12,'12; Robert Fox '59, GP'23,'25; and Stephen Sprague '72. This fall, work will begin in earnest on the Carey Center, a modern, high-performance home for several of Colgate's Division I teams, including volleyball and men's and women's basketball. This new major center was made possible by a lead gift from Chase Carey '76; his wife, Wendy; and their children, Steve '12 and Tara '13.

Beyond capital projects, Colgate has just announced the expansion of two of its institutes of advanced study, the Kraynak Institute for the Study of Freedom and Western Traditions and the Lampert Institute for Civic and Global Affairs, made possible by several gifts from Colgate alumni. These include a lead gift from Edgar Lampert '62 in support of the Lampert Institute.

Increasing endowment for student financial aid has been a centerpiece of the campaign. Shortly before the campaign kickoff, Colgate launched the Colgate Commitment, a cohesive plan to expand access and affordability of a Colgate education. In the years since, the University has made it a top priority to expand this initiative. In the Class of 2029, 44% of students are supported with institutional financial aid, compared to 41% in the Class of 2028. Colgate will continue to pursue support that will allow further expansion of the Colgate Commitment in the years ahead.

Colgate has also seen record-breaking levels of funding each year for another Third-Century Plan priority: increasing unrestricted annual support. Last year, the Colgate Fund raised $10.2 million, while $2.9 million was raised in support of Division I athletics programs and the Colgate Athletics Fund. Annual gifts to these funds allow the University to take immediate advantage of opportunities as they arise. In particular, Colgate Fund gifts have supported the Colgate Commitment in the near term, even as the institution has raised endowed resources to sustain robust financial aid in perpetuity.

"This is an important milestone that we have achieved as a community," says Vice President for Advancement Kim Harris. "It is important to look around and see how that generosity is already shaping the campus, and we are not finished answering the call of the Third Century. We sincerely thank you for your generosity that has helped us realize so many of our ambitions."