Centennial fever has broken out and is being recognized in countless ways here at Nazareth! The two-year Centennial celebration will reach its pinnacle during Naz Weekend when students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends will gather to commemorate Nazareth’s remarkable history and bright future. Your individual and collective support is helping make all this Centennial excitement happen.
Our Centennial comes at a difficult time for higher education as an industry. We hear and read of other institutions nationwide closing their doors due to financial difficulties and instinctively wonder how we got so lucky. But we quickly realize luck has nothing to do with it.
We believe Nazareth’s ongoing success comes from three main sources:
• Our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph. The Sisters built a sturdy foundation when they established Nazareth 100 years ago to respond to the needs of the time and lead through empathy, equity, and innovation. These values are in demand today more than ever, clearly evident in Nazareth’s student application and enrollment numbers for the 2024-2025 academic year that are on the rise from prior years.
• Excellence in operational budget and investment management. Our internal staff, an attentive trustee committee, and a professional advisory firm successfully manage our endowment, and our Finance team diligently oversees all gifts that support the annual fund and the day-to-day operation of hundreds of campus programs. This year has been the best yet for total current use operating funds, ensuring that the needs of today’s students are met while funds for tomorrow’s Golden Flyers are preserved.
• And you. You and the more than 3,217 other dedicated supporters who believe in Nazareth’s values, its students, and its future demonstrate your commitment to Naz with your loyal and generous spirit every day. Thank you!
I hope you enjoy and take pride in this year’s donor impact report. It’s an honor to share it and the many successes of our students and our institution with you.
As we look back at the last 100 years and look ahead to the next century, we find there is much to celebrate. We are deeply grateful you’re celebrating and planning for the future with us.
Sincerely,
Darrell Bell Vice President for Advancement
The first named endowed scholarship is established
The George L. White Memorial Scholarship is established by his daughter, Rosemary A. White
NAZARETH GIVING TIMELINE
The first year of the annual fund
Nazareth College of Rochester Development Fund
First building dedicated in a donor’s name
The Lorette Wilmot Library
First phone-a-thon
First million-dollar gift
1.2 million bequest from Rosemary White
First senior gift campaign
First comprehensive campaign kicks-off
First Giving Day
First year the Annual Fund tops $1 million
First crowdfunding project
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“Nazareth has always been a special place for our family because both my mother and I had the opportunity to attend, and my father was an avid supporter. After my mother’s passing, I was moved to honor her and our family by sponsoring such a momentous occasion in the University’s history. I’m sure both my parents will be celebrating with us from above!”
– Ed Leva ‘91
“Nazareth’s Centennial is truly a momentous occasion, fit for once-in-a-century celebration! What a huge impact Ed Leva, his company, and his family are leaving on Nazareth by lending their financial support to make so many Centennial events and projects possible. From a Naz history wall to a time capsule, Rochester Red Wings day to purple campus lights and fireworks, Centennial summits to bourbon and beer, there’s something for all members of the Nazareth family to enjoy and celebrate. Thanks to Ed’s affection for Nazareth and his generous spirit of giving, all of us can commemorate Nazareth’s treasured past and look ahead to the next century in style!”
– Beth Paul
Mental Health Nazareth’s Centennial
Annual Fund
“Even in my late 70s, I realize how much my essence remains influenced by my life at Nazareth: integrity, service, lifelong learning, camaraderie, and JOY! I give to help other students obtain the privilege I have: a Nazareth education.”
– Joan Caruso ‘67
“Supporters of the Nazareth Annual Fund are true changemakers, understanding that the University’s biggest needs may change from day to day and trusting that their gifts will be used where the need is greatest. Whether supporting financial aid for students, professional development for faculty, or new lab or clinic equipment, Annual Fund gifts help today’s students receive an education like the one Joan had, one that will be treasured for a lifetime.”
– Max McGinnis, Associate Vice President for Development and Engagement
Endowed Scholarships
“My late wife, Eileen, and I have always felt it important to support our local institutions that have made Rochester a special place to live and raise a family…. Nazareth University, during its 100 years, has remained a special part of our community. Eileen and I decided to set up an endowed scholarship at the University so that students at Nazareth would be able to receive financial support to help supplement their education at Nazareth and hopefully remain in our area following graduation.”
– Michael Grossman
“I was honored to receive this award my junior year in the Communication Sciences & Disorders program…. I very much appreciate it as it was a major help for me in my finances this year and acted as recognition of my dedication to the field…. it has helped me continue to prosper to reach my goal of [being] a medical speech-language pathologist.
– Jaelyn Turner ’24
“I’ve long been proud of Nazareth’s tradition of offering programs that engage students in addressing community concerns in practical ways and so am happy to support the Mental Health Initiative, which not only provides important experience for students but helps to meet a growing need for early intervention among children and families facing mental health issues.”
– Barbara Aldrich ‘65A, ‘67
“Gifts to Nazareth University for mental health initiatives help to meet needs in the community in two important ways. The Children’s Mental Health Clinic, part of the York Wellness & Rehabilitation Institute on our campus, provides graduate social work students with handson experience to prepare mental healthcare professionals for careers in an area of critical need. Children and families with mental health concerns receive direct support through the services Nazareth students provide, closely supervised by clinical educators. Generous donors have supported the expansion of clinic operations and clinical supervision, which expands opportunities for students.”
– Cathy Rasmussen ‘84G, dean of the College of Interprofessional Health and Human Services
Giving By Source (cash rec’d)
$508,117
$359,296
Giving By Purpose (cash rec’d) 2023-2024
Endowed Fund
WHY I GIVE:
I established the Visiting Scholar in Marine Medicine Fund to help annually with housing, living expenses, and travel costs for a science student interning at the Duke University Cancer Institute with Naz alumnus Jason Somarelli ’02, Ph.D. I benefited greatly from a summer research opportunity after my junior year and wanted others to have the same chance I did.” – Paula Childs ’70 Ph.D.
HOW IT HELPS:
“Becoming a visiting undergraduate scholar at Duke University has opened new pathways of learning and opportunity; enlightening a new vision for my future. I plan to pursue graduate studies in Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health or explore the intersection of Public Health, Environmental Sciences, Law, and Public Policy. Research has become an integral part of who I am and what I hope to achieve.”
– Matthew Roberson ‘26 - Toxicology and Public Health double-major –
Student Stories
“…You have taken a financial burden off my shoulders, which allows me to focus on my greater goals of going to medical school next year and creating a lasting, positive impact on this world.”
– Isabella Heath ’24, a biology major and recipient of the Helen and Walter CooperScholarship
“My internship was remote with Nazareth Alternative Breaks. I worked closely with our program manager Jen Canning on updating the training models for student leaders and implementing new activities for trip participant meetings. My research was focused on the areas of reorientation, community impact, and funding to keep the program accessible to all students and build solidarity with both the Rochester community and other local and global community partners. Honestly, without the SPARK Grant, I would not have been able to have this experience, and the Alternative Breaks program would have been put on hold for the summer.”
– Karlee Robb ’24, recipient of a SPARK grant
“…Thanks to your scholarship, I have been able to immerse myself in the world of art, exploring various techniques, styles and mediums…. Your support motivates me to work harder, dream bigger, and one day give back to others, just as you have done for me…. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and support.”
– Madina Rahim ’27, a visual communication design major and recipient of the Class of 1967 Scholarship
Parent Testimonials
“Nazareth University is a very special place to me and my family. Our daughter started her journey at Naz in 2021 and has built friends for life, been supported by a loving University community, and obtained excellent educational experiences. It was easy to consider giving back to Naz as we have directly seen the impact the University has had on our daughter. We want to ensure that current and future students have the same opportunity and Naz continues to exist for generations to come.”
— Current Parent Marc Misiurewicz, Parents Council co-chair and supporter of Nazareth’s InterProfessional Animal-assisted Wellness (IPAW) Collaborative and women’s lacrosse team
“We give to Nazareth for the endless educational possibilities our family has and continues to experience. Nazareth has fulfilled the diverse educational interests and needs of our family.”
– Parents Marc LaSalle & Kelly Steamer
Naz Giving Day
Nazareth’s seventh annual Giving Day, held this year on March 14, successfully raised $613,283. While the number of supporters was down from last year (following the national philanthropic trend), thanks to you, total dollars raised (including challenge and match gifts secured before Giving Day) was up – exceeding our goal by 23%!
Giving Day spirit soared as hundreds of members of the campus community attended the Giving Day party held midday in Millie’s Café. Students, faculty, staff, and friends took advantage of opportunities to make gifts, give thanks, grab some swag, play games, get some IPAW time with the therapy dogs, and enjoy totchos and cookies in a fun and festive celebration of giving. Thanks to all who chose to give on this special day.
WINGSPAN
Wingspan, Nazareth’s crowdfunding platform, launched in fall 2023 with a variety of online fundraising minicampaigns planned, developed, and managed by students, faculty, and staff across campus. With setup guidance from the Advancement team, these groups raised nearly $19,000 in support of clubs, conferences, student travel, and our Oak Tree Pantry. Independent crowdfunding efforts by eight athletics teams also saw generous boosters contribute to programming enhancements and help make team training trips a reality for our Golden Flyers.
Senior Class Giving
Members of the Class of ‘24 did their class proud, with their total giving exceeding $6,000! In recognition of their generosity and class spirit, they were rewarded with a happy hour celebration at city nightspot Swan Dive (owned by Jon Swan ’05), with Naz President Beth Paul and Vice President for Advancement Darrell Bell serving up the beverages behind the bar.
Changemaker Circle Update
Nazareth’s Changemaker Circle recognizes members of our three giving societies for their loyal, generous, and forward-thinking philanthropy. At the end of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, 2,280 alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students, and parents, past and present, were a part of the Circle.
1,635 190
455
Like 53 other Nazareth supporters, Marty Gawel ’89 finds himself at the center of the Changemaker Circle as a “trifecta” – a member of all three Nazareth giving societies. Marty played four seasons of soccer at Nazareth and today he’s an ardent supporter of the University’s soccer program.
“Most of the things that shaped me as a person happened during my four years at Nazareth. I grew up there,” says Marty. “Nazareth has been the most powerful entity in my growth, so it’s important to me to give something back.”
Centennial activities and updates
Centennial History Book
As Nazareth celebrates 100 years of educating people who’ve made an impact on their communities, alumni stories from across generations and life experiences have been collected for a unique historical archive and printed/digital book. More than 6,000 alumni participated, submitting 4,260 stories for inclusion in the Nazareth Centennial History Book; and hundreds of individuals have ordered a copy of the book, which will provide a more complete history of Nazareth and its people to be preserved for generations to come.
Faces of Nazareth
Hundreds of Nazareth University community members have submitted selfportraits to be part of a commemorative mosaic art image in honor of the Centennial Celebration. Prints of the final mosaic design will depict Smyth Hall and will be available for purchase later in 2024.
Get Bee to a Nunnery
Nazareth’s special-edition centennial beer, a collaboration with Nine Spot Brewing Owner Chris Nothnagle ‘99, debuted in May 2024 at senior celebration events and at a special lunch for faculty and staff who are also alumni. Get Bee to a Nunnery was named with a fun nod to Nazareth’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph. The beer will be served at additional campus events during Naz Weekend 2024, and is also available around town.
Nuts for Naz
The mythical and legendary White Squirrel that roams Nazareth University’s campus now has a snack it can enjoy for the Centennial! Nazareth and Nat’s Nuts of Rochester have collaborated on “Nuts for Naz” – centennial – themed, pre-packaged, golden caramel nuts. These were first available at Nazareth’s Centennial Day with the Rochester Red Wings and will be offered at Naz Weekend 2024 and through various giveaway contests on Nazareth’s social media channels.
Centennial
Day at the Red Wings
More than 300 alumni and the extended Naz family saw Swoop and staff throw out the first pitch, listened to rising senior Maddie Downing sing the national anthem, and learned about our story and mission during the game. It was truly one of our favorite moments sharing the centennial with the Rochester Red Wings.
Centennial Spirit
Nazareth has partnered with Iron Smoke Distillery of Fairport, New York to create a limited-run bourbon dubbed “Centennial Spirit,” which will be served at a special bourbon tasting event during Naz Weekend 2024. The distillery was co-founded by Nazareth University trustee Stephen Brown.
100 for 100 totals to date as of June 30: Founders Legacy Society new donors 29 Leadership Society new donors 110 1924 Loyalty Society new donors 128
