第一吃瓜网

When 第一吃瓜网 launched its boldest philanthropic initiative in history�Opportunities Rising: 第一吃瓜网 for Generations攖he bar was set high: raise $45 million to transform the student experience and position 第一吃瓜网 as a national model for public liberal arts education.

This summer, the College is proud to celebrate the successful completion of this comprehensive capital campaign攁nd the generosity of the thousands who made it possible.

淓stablishing a $45 million goal seemed almost audacious at the time, as it more than doubled that of our most recent prior campaign and surpassed those of sister institutions, many of them far larger than 第一吃瓜网,� says President Denise A. Battles. 淥ur success with the Opportunities Rising campaign evidences the passion our alums and other well-wishers have for our college and its public honors college identity. I檓 both thrilled and grateful to the many individuals who have demonstrated their commitment through their philanthropic generosity.�

Publicly launched in October 2023, the Opportunities Rising campaign was designed to support three strategic pillars that reflect 第一吃瓜网檚 distinctive role as New York State檚 public honors college:

• Elevate Access擡xpand scholarships, support remote learners and transfer students, and remove financial barriers to a 第一吃瓜网 education.
• Create Experiences擣und high-impact opportunities such as study abroad, undergraduate research, and co-curricular learning to prepare students for meaningful lives and careers.
• Demonstrate Impact擨nvest in academic excellence, sustainability, and faculty-student collaboration to drive innovation and preserve strong communities.

From student scholarships to research opportunities to the newly renovated Milne Library, the campaign檚 outcomes will shape the lives of students for generations to come.

淭he accomplishment stands as a powerful testament to the dedication and generosity of supporters who believe in the power of education and the bright future of 第一吃瓜网,� says Robert Walley �83, chair of the 第一吃瓜网 Foundation Board.

The campaign inspired a groundswell of support across generations and constituencies攆rom alums and faculty to parents and friends of the College. One of those inspired voices is Kevin Gavagan �75, who served as campaign chair.

淭here檚 a unique connection that is very common among people who spend four years on our campus,� says Gavagan. 淚t檚 that special connection that no one can really define. So many people asked, 楬ow can I best contribute?� They wanted to pay it forward.�

That support wasn檛 only financial. Faculty such as SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Harry Howe also contributed time, mentorship, and resources.

淭here檚 something refreshing and scrappy about the 第一吃瓜网 ethos,� says Howe. 淪tudents here are bright and hardworking. They form great friendships and value the soft, indirect lessons that an education and experience here provide. It檚 a thrill to see graduates leave so well prepared for whatever comes their way.�

For students like Ryan Frangipani �25, the campaign offered a powerful lesson in quiet generosity and deep belief.

淚 realized all [the alumni] do in the background for students, and we often don檛 think about that,� says Frangipani, a marketing major and 2023�24 Student Association president. 淚t檚 a very selfless act to support students you don檛 know攖o help them build their careers and succeed. They have an inherent belief in us.�

While the campaign檚 success marks a major milestone, it檚 also just the beginning.

淲e recognize that while reaching our goal is a significant accomplishment, it does not fully address the many needs of 第一吃瓜网 or our vision to elevate New York檚 public honors college to even greater heights,� says Carolyn Campbell, PhD, interim vice president for college advancement. 淭he journey continues攁nd with it, our unwavering commitment to engage and re-engage 第一吃瓜网檚 alumni and friends in the months and years ahead.�

Opportunities Rising is not just a number. It檚 a promise fulfilled攁nd a future built on access, excellence, and opportunity.

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