The Most Successful Fundraising Campaign in Gannon University History Concludes
Posted: September 22, 2016The most successful fundraising effort in Gannon University
history culminated in the conclusion of the Vision 2020
Campaign.
During the record-breaking campaign, more than 13,000 alumni,
parents, faculty, staff, students and friends of the University
gave $67.5 million in support of priorities across campus that will
enhance the educational experience of students and strengthen the
University for the future.
Among the significant gifts made since the campaign's inception
in 2009 are 10 of $1 million or more, including a gift of $5
million, the campaign's largest. Gifts totaling $3.1 million were
made by 528 members of Gannon University faculty and staff, while
399 Campaign Partners made gifts of $10,000 or more.
"We are truly blessed by the incredible support and passion for
the University as evidenced by the Vision 2020 Campaign," said
Gannon University President Keith Taylor, Ph.D. "As our enrollment
grows and our call to service is heard, these remarkable gifts and
grants shine a light forward for our students and for our faculty
and staff who embrace our Mission of preparing students to be
global citizens through a comprehensive, values-centered learning
experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and
social responsibility."
One of the many students helped by the generosity of donors is
Angela Jeffery, a graduate assistant in the Master of Science in
Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Jeffery, a mother of
six, had been out of school for nearly 20 years before coming to
Gannon. "From the very start, the fact that Gannon offered me
financial assistance was what made my journey possible," Jeffery
said. "It is extremely validating to know that there are people who
care that you are making an effort and succeeding at something
that, to some, may seem like an easy task, but for me was something
I had to fit in along with work and family.
It was certainly a motivating factor that led to my summa cum
laude graduation and I am sure it contributed to the fact that I
received The Inspiration for the Next Generation award. My entire
Gannon journey has empowered me to become my best, while not
fearing the mistakes that I will make along the way, and I am so
grateful for that."
Enrollment at Gannon University has grown by 10.2 percent
over the past four years. During that same time the University has
celebrated the blessing and dedication ceremonies of a new campus
in Ruskin, Florida and of eight facilities on the flagship Erie
campus, including North Hall, the Center for Communication and the
Arts, the Forensic Investigation Center, the Center for Business
Ingenuity, West Hall, the modernized Recreation and Wellness
Center, the Center for Advanced Engineering and this week, the
remodeled Beyer Hall. Additionally, funds supported McConnell
Family Stadium and the modernization of Nash Library, which is
expected to open in 2018.
One of the most effective forms of support is the generous gift
made by Tom Power, a 1963 Gannon University alumnus and retired
railroad executive, and his wife, Loretta to create the "Power"
Scholarship Challenge. Gannon has matched that gift to create the
"Power" Challenge Fund, which has leveraged more than 50 new
scholarship gifts that were matched dollar-for-dollar through the
"Power" Challenge. Gifts from $25,000 to $100,000 for new
scholarships that have been established by alumni, parents,
faculty, staff, priests, friends, fraternities and businesses were
enhanced by funds provided through the Powers' generosity.
Grant funds supported programs and projects benefitting
students, faculty, and community and regional partners including
the GO College program for City of Erie high school students,
Science in Motion, the Student Success Center, STEM scholarships
and programs supporting women faculty in STEM fields, the Small
Business Development Center at Gannon and Upward Bound.
Support from the campaign facilitated opportunities for students
and faculty to work and learn while utilizing advanced technology
in the Patient Simulation Center and Human Performance Lab, and in
fields such as nanotechnology and Lake Erie water analysis
research. Donors also supported the new Golden Knight statue at
McConnell Family Stadium, the murals on campus by noted area artist
Joseph Plavcan, the Erie Chamber Orchestra, athletic boosters and
the Annual Fund.
Fast facts:
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The Vision 2020 Campaign created 133 new estate plan gifts and
79 new scholarships to ensure access to an exceptional Gannon
University education to students from a wide range of financial
backgrounds.
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Charitable gifts to the campaign totaled $50.2 million, far
surpassing the goal of $40 million. An additional $17.3 million of
the funds (26 percent of the total) were government grants and
sponsored faculty research.
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Gannon University alumni were responsible for 64 percent of the
charitable gifts raised. Of these, 65 percent came from outside
Erie County, Pennsylvania, creating a significant economic impact
on the local community.
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The years 2014-15 and 2015-16 were the largest fundraising years
in Gannon University history with $12.1 and $17.1 million raised
respectively.
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The Vision 2020 campaign surpassed the $39.2 million raised by
the previous Power to Transform Campaign.