Bucknell Campaign Hits $400 Million, with $100 Million to Go

In 2012, Bucknell publicly launched the most ambitious comprehensive campaign in University history, with the goal of raising a half-billion dollars. Now WE DO, The Campaign for Bucknell University, has reached a celebratory milestone: surpassing $400 million.

"This is a special moment for Bucknell, one only attainable through the passion and loyalty shared by so many Bucknellians around the world," President John Bravman said. "We are extremely grateful for the support of our alumni, parents and friends. Their generosity will quite literally change the lives of our students for generations to come."

Though the WE DO Campaign seeks to reach its $500 million goal in summer 2017, students are already reaping its benefits. The campaign has received gifts and pledges from more than 42,800 donors, including 72 who have committed $1 million or more. New scholarships, professorships, programs and buildings have strengthened the University and infused the campus community with fresh energy. Among the highlights so far:

• New support for financial aid and scholarships — the campaign's top priority

• New resources for academic programs such as undergraduate research, the curriculum for entrepreneurship and endowed academic funds

• Investments in faculty support to advance scholarship and teaching, such as endowed professorships and fellowships

• New academic, residential and athletic facilities, including Academic West, MacDonald Commons and the soon-to-be-completed Graham Building

Opportunities abound
With $100 million still to be raised, there are numerous opportunities to support a variety of initiatives, all of which will further enhance Bucknell's ability to attract talented students, faculty and staff and offer a distinct and exceptional educational experience.

"This campaign will ensure that the University is positioned to provide an unmatched undergraduate education well beyond our lifetimes," said Steve Holmes '79, P'06, P'08, a University trustee and chairman of the WE DO Campaign. "Bucknellians are ambitious, they work together and they get things done. I'm confident that we will succeed and I invite everyone to join me in making a gift to benefit students and help us reach our goal."

Several key areas offer donors an array of opportunities to help raise WE DO's final $100 million.

• Endowed scholarships. The campaign's top donors, Bob '45 and Doris Malesardi, made a $20 million commitment to support endowed scholarships. Thanks to their pledge, new commitments of $100,000 or more to endowed scholarships are eligible for a match of $1 for every $2 donated.

• The College of Management. In 2017, the School of Management will become the University's third college. New endowed faculty positions, endowed funding for signature programs and a new management building will help create a management college that capitalizes on Bucknell's strengths and offers distinctive educational opportunities.

• Academic East. This 75,000-square-foot facility will offer classrooms, labs and offices for engineering and education. Located across from Academic West, it will serve as a nexus for interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthen the Bucknell-Geisinger Research Initiative.

• Academic endowments. Permanent funding for professorships, faculty fellowships, research and academic programs will enhance programs in many areas, including the arts and humanities, creativity and innovation programming, global learning and international experiences and sustainability in all of its forms.

• The Annual Fund. Gifts in any amount benefit all students, every day through the Annual Fund. Top University priorities include the unrestricted Bucknell Fund, annual scholarships, the President's Fund and the Bison Club.

"This is an opportunity to have a profound impact on Bucknell," said Bravman. "As we strengthen our ability to educate students for a lifetime of critical thinking and leadership, we in turn strengthen their ability to make the world a better place."