EndNotes
The Power To Transform: Come Join Us Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2) On May 11, the University celebrated and announced the public phase of The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign with a dinner gala and a jazz concert by the Dr. Michael White Quartet of New Orleans. Kicking off this phase of the Campaign with such fanfare was appropriate because Gannon, as an institution of higher-learning, has been continually transformed by outstanding faculty, staff, and alumni throughout its history. Already, we have succeeded in raising 54 percent of our goal. Of the $16 million we have raised to date for the Campaign, xx percent has come from Trustees, xx percent from alumni, xx percent from friends, and xx percent from corporations and foundations. The amount of support from Alumni donations to the Annual Fund are very important and will continue to ensure the overall success of the Campaign. The Campaign goal of $30 million will be used to support a variety of purposes, including: undergraduate student scholarships ($6 million); graduate student scholarships ($2 million); endowed professorships ($3 million); Endowed Academic Excellence Fund for faculty development and research ($2 million); renovation of the Zurn Science Center ($9.5 million); and, the University’s Annual Fund ($7.5 million). Undergraduate and graduate student scholarships are particularly crucial, as xx percent of Gannon’s student population is made up of first-generation college students who rely heavily on financial aid. This past year’s recognition by U.S. News & World Report as a “Great School, Great Price” was due to the fact that Gannon awards substantial financial aid to more than 90% of all students.
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The generosities of dedicated Trustees and Gannon and Villa Maria Alumni have helped us to move beyond the halfway point of this Campaign. We recognized these efforts at the kickoff celebration by inducting the members of the Universitas Society, a group of 35 individuals and families who have given $100,000 or more to the University throughout their lifetime. Many of these individuals were once Gannon and
Villa Maria students who were transformed by the education they received and who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, churches and society. With your assistance and financial contributions, I am confident that we will achieve the Campaign goal. Over the last four years, I have been fortunate to have three current Trustees serve as leaders of this Campaign –Tom Power ’63, Campaign Chair, along with Joseph Messina ’63, and Bill Springer ’63. They and other Trustees, faculty, staff and even current students will be calling on you to support The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign. With 31,000 successful Villa Maria and Gannon alumni who live in every state and in 48 countries around the world, I know we can reach our Campaign goal. Our distinguished alumni, who include priests, women of the clergy, doctors, therapists, nurses, teachers, scientists, or engineers, continue to transform others’ lives with their vast knowledge, skills and talents.Your support of the Campaign will assure that the next generation of Gannon Alumni will also transform the lives of many others. I look forward to meeting many of you at some of the upcoming regional Campaign receptions that will be held across the country over the next two years. Some of those cities include: New York, Boston, Cleveland, Columbus, St. Louis, Raleigh/Durham, Denver, Washington D.C., Tampa, Phoenix, Buffalo/Rochester/Syracuse, Houston, Nashville, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. But, if you are not able to join me at one of those receptions, I hope you will demonstrate your support of Gannon and The Power To Transform Comprehensive Campaign by giving generously. Every donation counts towards continuing Gannon’s excellence so that future students will receive a high quality educational experience in the same way that you did. When you have a few moments, and want to reflect on your years at Gannon or Villa Maria, please watch our Campaign video at www.gannon.edu/campaign. I am sure you will enjoy the nostalgia.