Western New England University has wrapped up the largest and most successful comprehensive Campaign in its 100-year-plus history, exceeding its goal and concluding a year ahead of schedule.
Dubbed the Campaign for Our Second Century, the multi-year effort concluded on June 30 with $36,742,692 raised, which is 5 percent over the Campaign's goal of $35 million.
"The gifts received during this Campaign are already enhancing the student experience in remarkable ways," according to University President Anthony S. Caprio. "Philanthropy is crucial to Western New England University – both in the growth we experienced in our first century and for our continued success in the future. This Campaign has strengthened our University, and we are well-prepared for what lies ahead."
More than one-third of the funds raised are dedicated to increasing scholarship assistance for current and future students. Other campaign priorities include building and enhancing campus facilities, creating impactful opportunities in student life, boosting academic initiatives and experiences, and strengthening the President's Fund for Excellence, which funds a number of strategic priorities.
"It is incredibly gratifying to see our alumni and other partners' appreciation and admiration of this great institution, evidenced by their willingness to support it financially as we embark on a new chapter in the University's rich history," said Beverly J. Dwight, vice president for Advancement.
"Particularly significant to the Campaign's success was the Caprio Challenge, where donors committed $1.2 million in honor of President Caprio on the occasion of his impending retirement after 25 years leading the University."
The Campaign yielded several million and multi-million dollar gifts. Notably, the largest gift made by an individual in the institution's history came from Kevin S. Delbridge, class of 1977 and former chair of the Board of Trustees, and his wife, Sandra E. Delbridge. Among other things, the Delbridge gift provides for a significant enhancement to the University's efforts to assist graduates as they transition from student life to a fulfilling career. In recognition of this generous support to Western New England, the University's Career Development Center is renamed the Kevin S. and Sandra E. Delbridge Career Center.
"The vision for the Kevin S. and Sandra E. Delbridge Career Center as a prominent resource – from a student's freshman year through senior year and beyond – is one that I am proud to help put into action," said Delbridge, who served as honorary co-chair of the Campaign.
"The evolution of Western New England University is impressive, and I am confident that with these enhancements our graduates will be top-picks for employers and will prove to have the tools needed to be successful in their careers and communities."
Janet Johnson Bullard '69 served as honorary co-chair alongside Delbridge. Laura Sturgis Boule '01/G'02, John J. Brennan '71, and Denis Gagnon G'76 served as Campaign co-chairs.
