In March, the College officially announced reaching the fundraising goal of $50 million in the Putting Wagner First campaign, barely two and a half years after its public launch.
President Guarasci and campaign supporters rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on March 23 to celebrate this milestone. (Shown above.)
Through Putting Wagner First, the College has raised:
- $8.5 million in operating support ($3.5 million over goal),
- $29.4 million in endowment support ($4.4 million over goal),
- $11.7 million in facilities support ($8.3 million short of the goal), as well as
- an additional $7 million in deferred support not counted in these totals.
These generous commitments have helped:
- Increase the College's endowment to more than $50 million;
- Create more than 20 endowed scholarships;
- Provide more than a dozen funds for faculty professional development and research;
- Construct Foundation Hall, Wagner's first new residence hall in 40 years; and
- Earn the College multiple accolades, such as the Number One "Up and Coming" school in the Northeast (U.S. News & World Report) and the Hesburgh Award for Best First-Year Program (TIAA-CREF), in addition to awards for its innovative curriculum, technology in the classroom, and commitment to civic engagement.
One major component of the original set of goals remains significantly underfunded: the construction of a new academic building -- the first since Megerle Science Hall was built in 1968 -- on the former site of the Augustinian Academy.
In order to fulfill our mission, uphold our standards, and remain competitive among our peer institutions, it is imperative to have a high-tech, high-touch, interdisciplinary academic building dedicated to teaching and learning in the 21st century and capitalizing on cutting-edge technologies.
In order to raise an additional $25 million to construct this new academic building (a generous $10 million lead gift is already in hand), the Wagner College Board of Trustees has approved an extension of the campaign. While there is never a shortage of pressing campus needs, this new building is critical to Wagner's future success and ability to continue to attract the best and brightest students.
Wagner Magazine will continue to keep you informed about this important effort.
