Alfred University announces $200 million campaign

Steve Heine '81, vice chair of the Alfred University Board of Trustees and campaign co-chair (left), Erin Martinovich, vice president for University Advancement (center), and Mark Zupan, president, lead a toast to conclude Friday evening's ceremony announcing the university's $200 million fundraising effort, "Realizing Our Promise, The Campaign for Alfred University."

On Friday evening (Oct. 25), Alfred University announced a campaign which by 2027 will have raised $200 million. "Realizing Our Promise, The Campaign for Alfred University," was unveiled at a gala ceremony held on campus in the Joyce & Walton Center.

"It's so exciting to have all of you here with us to celebrate our commitment to helping students realize their purpose," said Erin Martinovich, vice president for University Advancement.

"Because of you, we are well on our way to achieving our goal of $200 million raised by 2027 to support key initiatives organized around our strengths of Intersections, Mentorship and Inclusion," Martinovich continued, noting that more than $153.6 million of the $200 million goal has been raised since the silent phase of the campaign launched in 2016. "Because of you, we are honoring our promise to students to ensure they have the finest possible experience during their time with us - in the classroom, on the playing fields, in third spaces, and in the great outdoors."

"Tonight is momentous for our University," said Mark Zupan, Alfred University president, addressing the students, faculty, staff, members of the Board of Trustees, friends of the university and other guests. "We're here tonight because of you. You've given back so much to our beloved university."

Zupan spoke of members of the Board of Trustees and their commitment to Alfred University, which is demonstrated by their generous philanthropy in support of projects like the Saxon Hill Sports Complex, a $30 million sports and recreation facility atop Jericho Hill in the town of Alfred, for which ground was recently broken; renovations of several residential facilities; and development of innovative teaching spaces like the planned foundry project that will link arts and engineering. "Fundamentally, (trustees) believe in supporting our mission of helping our students realize their purpose," he said.

Natalie Reynolds and Eric Schweickert, students enrolled in the Honors Program, talked about their time as Alfred University.

"My time here has felt very comfortable-there is a real family here, and it is a tight-knit community," said Reynolds, a senior English and art double major from Amsterdam, NY.

"Soon, I'll be an Alfred University alum, and I am grateful to be part of this close community," Reynolds remarked. "As a recipient of the annual President's Scholarship and Alumni Award, I am also thankful for the support I received through the years. That support helped make it possible for me to attend Alfred University, where I found community and connection, and discovered the unexpected."

Natalie Reynolds, a senior at Alfred University, talks about her experiences as a student at Alfred University. Reynolds, who will graduate in December with degrees in English and art, spoke during Friday evening's ceremony announcing the university's $200 million fundraising effort, "Realizing Our Promise, The Campaign for Alfred University."

"My time at Alfred University has been wonderful. I have found myself surrounded by a supportive community, mentors who challenge me to be the best I can be, and opportunities to explore a multitude of experiences," said Schweickert, a senior chemistry major from West Valley, NY, with minors in physics and mathematics.

Board of Trustees Vice Chair Steve Heine '81 serves with Board Chair Carolyn Clark '90 as co-chair for the campaign. He said 28 percent of the funds raised since the campaign began have been re-invested in campus buildings and infrastructure, while a quarter of the money raised has helped grow the university's endowment. Giving during the campaign has "allowed us to kick off two of the largest capital projects in Alfred University's history," he said, referring to Saxon Hill and the foundry project.

The university recognized members of philanthropic groups: Saxon Circle, which honors more than 600 donors who contribute $1,000 or more to the university annually; Heritage Circle, with 176 members, recognizes those who create gifts through wills or estate plans; Founder's Society, for those who have contributed more than $100,000 collectively; and Society of Benefactors, for those whose lifetime gifts total $1 million or more.

Generous donors on hand for Friday's celebration included Bill and Dr. Jill Giles, both 1981 Alfred University graduates (Bill with a degree in accounting; Jill in accounting and finance), and Bruce Chamberlain (whose mother, the late Betsy (Stockton) Chamberlain, was a 1957 Alfred University graduate). They were inducted into the Founder's Society.

Eric '69 and Susan Bershad, and Neal and Lynne Miller were recognized as inductees into the Society of Benefactors. Eric Bershad, who graduated from Alfred University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history, and Neal Miller are both members of the university's Board of Trustees.