Duquesne University Surpasses Fundraising Goal Early

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Duquesne University has exceeded the largest capital campaign goal in the school's history a year ahead of schedule, President Charles J. Dougherty announced today at an employee Christmas luncheon. The Advancing Our Legacy fundraising effort, which is slated to end in December 2012, has reached $151.3 million, $1.3 million over the goal announced in 2008.   

"We are fortunate to have such generous donors—both large and small—who recognize and embrace the fervent belief of our founders that higher education provides an opportunity for a better life," said Dougherty. "These funds will help current and future students benefit from a Duquesne education."

The University has received tremendous support in both donations and participation:

• More than 61,573 donors have supported Advancing Our Legacy, as of Nov. 30 and 30,081 were first-time contributors.
• Corporations and foundations have made gifts totaling $38.2 million.
• The University received its largest gift ever—$12.5 million—from the late philanthropist William Dietrich.
• Faculty and staff have made gifts totaling $2.1 million, underscoring a deep commitment to the University's mission.

The comprehensive campaign focuses on academic quality, student experience initiatives, scholarships and need-based student financial aid. When Dougherty publicly announced the campaign's $150 million goal, he also listed individual goals for those priorities:

Academic Quality Goal: $70 million
Raised to Date: $75.3 million

Student Experience Goal: $30 million
Raised to Date: $28.9 million

Scholarships/Financial Aid Goal: $50 million
Raised to Date: $47.1 million.

"Teaching and learning have always been at the heart of our identity. Exceeding the academic quality goal will enable us to develop new programs, attract renowned scholars, improve laboratories, libraries and other facilities, and strengthen our reputation locally and around the world," said Dougherty. "Not only are these priorities part of our campaign, they are at the core of our strategic plan as well."

A cornerstone of the campaign is the Legacy Fund, which is aimed at ensuring access to a life changing Duquesne experience for those who cannot otherwise afford it. The fund addresses three specific areas of need—general scholarship funding, support for students experiencing unforeseen financial hardships and proactive initiatives to empower students with special socioeconomic needs through a Duquesne education.

"There is nothing more central to advancing the mission, vision, values and Spiritan character of Duquesne University than providing access to all deserving students," said Dougherty.

The campaign began in 2004.

Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic research universities for its award-winning faculty and tradition of academic excellence. The University is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review for its rich academic programs in 10 schools of study for 10,000-plus graduate and undergraduate students, and by the Washington Monthly for service and contributing to students' social mobility. Duquesne is a member of the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for its contributions to Pittsburgh and communities around the globe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges acknowledge Duquesne's commitment to sustainability.

www.duq.edu.

SOURCE Duquesne University