Saint Peter's College Launches Largest Capital Campaign in the College's History

Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter's College to Raise $62 Million to Benefit Fundamental Elements Including Academics, Jesuit Mission, Athletics, Endowment and the Construction of the College's First Ever Student Center

JERSEY CITY, N.J., May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saint Peter's College has officially launched the public phase of the most transformational capital campaign the College has ever seen, Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter's College. With a minimum goal of $62 million, the construction of the College's first ever student center stands at the heart of this comprehensive Campaign.  In addition, the Campaign will help to grow the College's endowment and The Saint Peter Fund, formerly known as the annual fund, as well as invest in Saint Peter's Jesuit mission and identity, academics and athletics.

"We are embarking on a path to attain an unsurpassed living and learning environment and Students at the Center is off to a great start. We have raised nearly $45 million to date and are more than halfway to our goal of $62 million," said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter's College.  "Everything we do at Saint Peter's College is about students – it's part of our Jesuit mission."

The new student center will be a six-story, 90,000 square foot facility located on the east side of campus spanning from Montgomery Street to Glenwood Avenue.  The signature building will not only transform the physical campus and help to attract high caliber students, but it will also serve as a dynamic hub of activity for the College community with a new home for dining, fitness, learning and socializing. In addition, it will serve the local community through The Duncan Family Sky Room, an event facility on the sixth floor that will provide space for special events and community meetings.

Keeping in line with the College's efforts to go green and its recently implemented Climate Action Plan, the new center will be a certified LEED-Silver "green" building and will feature energy and water efficient controls and fixtures, a green roof and storm water runoff.  In addition, it will be constructed with recycled content, renewable and regional materials, and will promote recycling and HVAC management while reducing waste. Even the elevators will use recycled energy similar to the technology used in the Toyota Prius.

The enrichment of five additional priorities is also a central component of the framework for Students at the Center.

To further promote its Jesuit identity, the College will look to expand its current ministry resources, beginning with St. Aedan's: The Saint Peter's College Church, which will soon officially become a part of the College.  

Plans for advancement in academics include offering programs that prospective students in today's marketplace desire, while emphasizing faculty research and improving academic facilities.

The College's current endowment stands at $25 million, which is among the most modest of the 28 American Jesuit colleges and universities. Saint Peter's will work to grow this crucial fund to ensure that any qualified student who wishes to attend the College is able to do so. Furthermore, enhancements to athletic programs will consist of greater attention to athletics operations and facilities, including locker rooms.

The College publicly kicked off the Campaign on Friday night with a black-tie event at Liberty National Golf Course in Jersey City. The invitation-only cocktail gala featured a riveting performance by Taylor Hicks, the season five winner of American Idol.  In addition to leadership-level College supporters, Senator Robert Menendez '76, Congressman Albio Sires '74 and Mayor of Jersey City Jerramiah T. Healy were in attendance to help celebrate the momentous event.

Thomas P. Mac Mahon '68, chairman of Students at the Center, stressed the importance of the Campaign to the event's crowd. "In order to compete today, Saint Peter's College must address the necessities of a 21st century education.  We need the right facilities. We need the right programs.  And we need to reinforce our critical commitment to our Jesuit mission, among other priorities."

Michael A. Fazio, vice president for advancement and external affairs at Saint Peter's College, has been leading the charge on fundraising. "The Campaign funds raised will enable us to continue our rich tradition and offer unparalleled opportunities to our students," he said. "We are fortunate to have a loyal community of alumni and friends that believe strongly in Saint Peter's College and its mission. Their support is crucial to the long range success of this campaign."

For more information, or to make a gift to Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter's College, please visit www.spc.edu/campaign.

Saint Peter's College, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment.

SOURCE Saint Peter's College