Fisher Surpasses $75M Campaign Goal, Extends Goal by $25M
Nearly one year ahead of schedule, St. John Fisher University surpassed its Fisher Forward campaign goal, raising $85.5 million to date in support of the institution.
“The Fisher Forward campaign was designed to advance the University into our next 75 years, and to realize a future of sustained growth and broader institutional impact,” said Dr. Gerard J. Rooney, president. “I am grateful to all who have chosen to provide essential philanthropic support to our great institution to enable us to continue to deliver our distinctive educational mission now and in the coming years.”
The most ambitious fundraising campaign in the University’s history, Fisher Forward launched with the initial goal of $75 million. The campaign’s quiet phase began in 2015 and Fisher announced its public phase in 2019. Fisher Forward’s success was bolstered by the 23 donors and organizations that gave $1 million or more to the campaign; nearly triple the number of $1 million plus donors for the University’s previous campaign, Vision 2020. Building upon a legacy of success in previous campaigns, Fisher continues to inspire its alumni, parents, and friends who have increased their philanthropy. During a meeting of the University’s Board of Trustees in December 2022, members voted to increase the goal to $100 million and extend the campaign through 2025.
“When we publicly launched Fisher Forward, I said my goal as chairman was to reach our goal and then go well beyond it,” said Vic Salerno ’66, campaign chair and member of the University’s Board of Trustees. “I’m proud that we have accomplished just that, and I look forward to the continued impact this campaign will have on strengthening the University.”
The University will continue to fundraise within its main four priorities, including securing Fisher’s future through support for endowment including scholarships; enhancing Fisher’s campus through modernization and renovation of facilities; shaping the student experience through experiential learning support; and creating immediate impact through support of the Fisher Fund ensuring our flexibility to create individualized and transformational educational experiences for each student.
“The success of Fisher Forward is the result of a strong vision for the future and the leadership to carry out that vision,” said Chris Biehn, vice president for institutional advancement. “Fisher is truly a family that inspires great philanthropy.”
For more information about Fisher Forward, visit fisherforward.sjf.edu.