Two families help St. Lawrence University meet their campaign goal of $225 million.
In true Laurentian spirit, these two families conferred with each other to make this joint commitment with the greatest possible impact, as a signal of how much they believe in St. Lawrence’s future. They entered into what they called ‘a benign conspiracy’ to make not only an important statement about creative philanthropy, but to make a difference with so much positive momentum surrounding St. Lawrence. - President William L. Fox ’75
St. Lawrence University has received two extraordinary anonymous commitments of $10 million and $8 million as part of The Campaign for Every Laurentian, the largest comprehensive fundraising initiative in the University’s 165-year history.
“In true Laurentian spirit, these two families conferred with each other to make this joint commitment with the greatest possible impact, as a signal of how much they believe in St. Lawrence’s future,” said President William L. Fox ’75.
“They entered into what they called ‘a benign conspiracy’ to make not only an important statement about creative philanthropy, but to make a difference with so much positive momentum surrounding St. Lawrence.”
These planned estate gifts, which came from members of the University’s Board of Trustees, provide significant momentum for The Campaign for Every Laurentian, which launched publicly in 2018. As of April 1, 2021, 96 percent, or $217 million has been raised in gifts and commitments toward the $225 million goal. To date, a record-breaking 20,146 unique donors have made 66,357 gifts toward the Campaign.
Eight of the 10 largest gifts in the University’s history have occurred during this Campaign, and these two gifts are included among them.
“The donors were so excited by the innovation displayed in the recent Experience St. Lawrence Task Force recommendations that they wanted to be part of the forward momentum at St. Lawrence,” said Campaign co-chair Sarah Johnson ’82, P’15. “Jay Ireland ’77, P’00, also a co-chair of the Campaign, and I are grateful for their shared passion and energy as we work toward fulfilling the bold vision the community has for the future of the University.”
The Campaign targets four “Big Ideas”: Endowing Our Future, Learning for the 21st Century, the Power of Connections, and Campus Stewardship. As the Campaign nears its completion, there are five emerging priorities that have also risen to the forefront for the St. Lawrence community.
Student Scholarships
Every Laurentian has the opportunity to play a role in providing this life-changing education for another. Support for scholarships at all levels help the University enroll the very best students, including those who may not be able to attend without generous assistance. To attract the most promising academic talent regardless of socioeconomic status, our financial aid must remain competitive.
Career Programming
St. Lawrence boasts one of the nation’s premier alumni networks, allowing students to realize their own unique potential by fostering connections. The Laurentian network also empowers students to contribute more—and more meaningfully—within our community and around the world. Support for career programming, such as mentorship, internships, and expert advice, can help align students’ passions with their futures today.
Health and Wellness
The depth and breadth of mental health care at St. Lawrence are the direct result of two factors: the compassion of the Laurentian community and generous financial support. The Torrey family and Sarah Johnson ’82, P’15, along with other donors, have supported health and wellness by expanding in-person counseling services as well as telecounseling support for students. The impact of these investments can be seen in the University’s leading graduation and retention rates, as well as the success of St. Lawrence graduates. Continued financial support is needed to maintain wellness services and expand our offerings, adding availability of mental health counseling, bringing in wellness specialists, training for peer-to-peer support for mentoring, and more.
Diversity and Inclusion
To strengthen the bonds of our community for every Laurentian, St. Lawrence will invest in its diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts. Donors can make an immediate positive impact by making a gift to this priority. Support will enhance a variety of initiatives, including a range of events, programs, and trainings centered around diversity and inclusion, promoting and growing engagement in the Laurentian network to better represent our community, and supporting the IDEAL Initiative (Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Across Laurentians).
St. Lawrence Fund
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic required St. Lawrence to meet multiple, complex technological demands imposed by the transition to remote learning. The flexibility to meet these unexpected investments was made possible by the St. Lawrence Fund. Our annual fund has generated over $44 million since The Campaign for Every Laurentian began, providing critical resources to emerging student needs and unique opportunities as they arise.
Every Laurentian can have an immediate impact on our students and campus, simply by making a gift—every year—to the St. Lawrence Fund.
