Moving Fisher Forward: Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign Raises $139 Million

Supporters of Fisher Forward, the University's largest comprehensive fundraising campaign, gathered for a celebratory event to mark the successful completion of the campaign on Friday, Sept. 26, at Monroe Golf Club. A fitting kick-off to Alumni Weekend, nearly 200 donors, alumni, and guests shared a toast to the success of the campaign, which surpassed its original goal of $75 million, raising an impressive $139 million.

“We gather tonight to recognize the generosity, belief, and work of many that enabled the Fisher Forward campaign to be among one of the University’s most impressive achievements,” said Phil Yawman, chair of the Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the board; the faculty, staff, and students; and our more than 36,000 alumni – the theme tonight is simply, thank you. Thank you for being here to represent our donor community; a community that is strong, passionate, and committed to the mission of this beloved institution.”

Guests arrived to the venue and were met with archival artifacts from Fisher’s inaugural campaign, cardinal ornaments and pieces placed on bookshelves and tables, and framed photos of campaign events, supporters, and students giving the space a familial feel. The hallway to the cocktail hour told a story of the last decade of transformation, with large banners sharing more images of campaign outcomes in each of the four priorities: Enhance Fisher’s Campus; Shape the Student Experience; Create Immediate Impact; and Secure Fisher’s Future. The program also included remarks from President Gerard J. Rooney, a prayer from Fr. George Smith, CSB, and a video feature.

“Our institutional accomplishments are the result of clarity of vision, strength of purpose, and value of mission. Through the philanthropy of so many individuals who have come together with shared focus and priority, Fisher has grown to what it is today,” said President Rooney, during the evening’s program. “From its founding, Fisher has been shaped by believers and those who gave of themselves to build a place where students thrive, ideas flourish, and community is strengthened. Philanthropy has been a force behind every bold step forward, every new opportunity, and every new space that reflects our enduring commitment to instilling goodness, practicing discipline, and sharing knowledge. What was once a future focus is now a reality. The transformational impact of Fisher Forward is symbolic of what Fisher has always stood for: a future-focused institution rooted in values and supported by so many who believe in its mission.”

Campaign highlights include:

• $139 million raised (surpassing original $75 million goal
• 12,000+ donors
• $26 million in new scholarships
• 200+ new scholarships created
• Raised $50 million in the campaign’s first five years, and raised nearly $90 million in the final five years
• Raised a record $1.6 million with strong support from members of the Spire Society
• Endowment more than doubled: grew from $75 million in 2015 to $98 million in 2020 and today, totals over $161 million