2024-25 IMPACT REPORT
MESSAGE FROM DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI AFFAIRS
What a year it’s been, and what a future we’re building together!
As we reflect on all that 2024-25 brought to our university, one thing is certain: The extraordinary momentum we’ve experienced would not be possible without you. Thanks to your generous support, Quinnipiac continues to grow and thrive. We welcomed more than 4,000 new students this year, including the largest graduate class in our history and the second-largest incoming undergraduate class. And this past May, we proudly conferred degrees to 2,891 graduates, each one prepared to lead, serve and shape the future.
Philanthropy plays a vital role in making that kind of impact possible. Your support fuels student scholarships and financial aid, launches innovative programs, advances faculty excellence and leadership, and allows us to invest in new capital projects that define a Quinnipiac education. Because of you, our students are not only achieving academic success — they’re engaging with their communities, pursuing bold ambitions and stepping confidently into the world.
As we look ahead to our centennial in 2029 and accelerate the momentum of For the Ambitious: A Campaign for the Next Century, we remain focused on creating access, opportunity and excellence for every student. With every gift, you help unlock the full potential of a Quinnipiac education.
Thank you for your generosity and ambition, and for helping us build what’s next.
With gratitude,
Nicholas G. Wormley ’00, MBA ’02 Vice President for Development & Alumni Affairs
Alumni members of the Development & Alumni Affairs team posing in Alumni Gardens.
INTRODUCING OUR NEXT BOLD LEADER:
DR. MARIE HARDIN NAMED 10TH PRESIDENT OF QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY
Quinnipiac University proudly welcomed our 10th president, Dr. Marie Hardin, on July 1, 2025. An academic leader and innovative strategist, Dr. Hardin brings the experience, energy and vision to propel Quinnipiac into its next chapter of transformation.
Dr. Hardin joins us from The Pennsylvania State University, where she served as dean of the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. During her tenure, she led a historic rebranding effort after attracting a $30 million naming gift from alumnus Donald P. Bellisario. Under her leadership, the college experienced record-breaking philanthropic growth — the college’s endowment more than tripled and total gifts to the college increased more than 50 percent in three years. A firstgeneration college graduate and national thought leader in journalism and communications, Dr. Hardin is a champion for student success and institutional innovation. From budget reform to public health strategy, she has shaped major university initiatives, proving herself a leader who bridges academic excellence with forward-thinking vision.
Her appointment comes at a time of remarkable momentum. We continue to welcome strong incoming classes, graduate talented students who are ready to make their mark, foster enthusiastic engagement among our alumni and expand opportunities across our programs. As we prepare for our centennial in 2029, Quinnipiac continues to emerge as a national model for education that’s ambitious, inclusive and innovative.
We are deeply grateful to President Emerita Judy Olian for her visionary leadership over the past seven years, which positioned Quinnipiac for continued growth and distinction. Under her guidance, the university achieved record-breaking enrollment, national recognition and unprecedented philanthropic support. Her steady, compassionate leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was widely praised and exemplified her commitment to the well-being of our community. She has been a strong advocate for Dr. Hardin’s appointment and is actively supporting a seamless transition to ensure Quinnipiac’s momentum continues.
“I hope to make meaningful contributions to the Quinnipiac community in my new role as President Emerita.”
Judy D. Olian, PhD, President Emerita
Dr. Hardin’s arrival is a defining moment for Quinnipiac. Together, we’re building a university that meets the demands of a changing world and dares to go further. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Hardin to Quinnipiac University. The future is bright, ambitious — and it begins now!
2024–25: BREAKING FUNDRAISING RECORDS
DONOR COUNT
TOTAL DONORS
ALUMNI DONOR COUNT
2,624
5.96% FROM FY24 7.34% FROM FY23
OVERALL PARENT DONOR COUNT
6,597 2,256
PARENT DONORS
23.21% FROM FY24
FROM FY23
A BEST NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
U.S. News & World Report names Quinnipiac among the best national universities in the nation.
STUDENT DONOR COUNT
891
100%
STUDENT DONORS STUDENT-ATHLETE PARTICIPATION
24.62% FROM FY24 400+ WERE SENIORS
THIRD YEAR IN A ROW ALUMNI DONORS
The Wall Street Journal ranks Quinnipiac No. 91 in the country.
THE QUINNIPIAC FUND: GIFTS THAT GO FURTHER
At Quinnipiac, we’re not just preparing students for the future — we’re building it. When you give to the Quinnipiac Fund, you help eliminate barriers, launch new opportunities and accelerate the university’s ambitious vision. Every donation makes a difference. Here’s why your support matters:
Flexibility: Unrestricted gifts allow Quinnipiac to respond quickly to emergencies, shifting priorities and emerging opportunities, directing resources where they’re needed most.
Efficiency: These funds support the essential infrastructure that keeps Quinnipiac running, covering operating costs like technology, facilities and staffing that make every program possible.
Innovation: The Quinnipiac Fund fuels bold ideas and new initiatives, giving us the freedom to take risks, pilot solutions and accelerate progress toward our mission.
Your gifts give us the freedom to make strategic decisions, whether it’s funding new scholarships, advancing faculty research, expanding global learning opportunities, or investing in the technology and infrastructure that elevate the student experience every day. Thank you for trusting us to lead with vision, adapt with purpose and plan confidently for the next five, 10, 20 years, and beyond!
ANNUAL GIVING: INVESTING IN WHAT’S NEXT
When our community comes together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. This is what ambitious generosity looks like:
Bobcat Challenge
Our annual athletics fundraising event raised over $1 million from more than 2,100 donors, with 100% of current student-athletes making a gift. This record-breaking athletics fundraiser united the Quinnipiac community in support of all 21 Division I teams and student-athletes.
Parents and Families Challenge
On this day of giving, our community raised $305,000 from 765 donors (an increase of 14.3% over last year!) with parent participation rising from 391 to 574. Every gift will directly enhance the student experience and help build a vibrant, supportive community.
Bobcats Unite
Quinnipiac’s annual spring giving day brought together 1,205 donors to raise $1,095,963 in support of scholarships, academics, athletics and more. This university-wide effort empowers donors to make an immediate impact on the areas of campus they care about most.
Faculty and Staff Giving
The 2025 Faculty & Staff Campaign marked Quinnipiac’s first dedicated internal giving effort in years, raising $18,766 from 132 faculty and staff donors. The total FY25 giving from faculty and staff was over $322,000 by 650 donors.
The Next Generation of Philanthropy
With the launch of the new Student Philanthropy Council in FY25, we exceeded our student giving goals. We received nearly 900 student gifts, including 422 from seniors.
IGNITING GENEROSITY
Launched in Fall 2024, the Quinnipiac Student Philanthropy Council is igniting a new wave of generosity at Quinnipiac by empowering students to lead, give back and shape a lasting legacy.
The Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) is a dynamic and impactful organization dedicated to fostering a culture of giving and community engagement among students. Members of the council work collaboratively to raise awareness and funds for various causes, directly benefiting the Quinnipiac community and beyond:
Gratitude Night: Joined by over 100 students and despite being a relatively new organization, the SPC made a meaningful impact with Gratitude Night on November 12, 2024, where students wrote thank-you cards to university donors. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of philanthropy and the role donors play in enhancing the student experience.
The Kindness Cart: The SPC launched a heartwarming initiative called the “Kindness Cart,” where students were offered free golf cart rides around campus along with gift cards from local businesses. The event aimed to foster community spirit, student and faculty and staff engagement, and a culture of giving back. The cart traveled across the Mount Carmel Campus, surprising students with nearly 200 gift cards donated by generous local sponsors. SPC members emphasized the importance of kindness, using the event to connect with peers and promote volunteerism and paying it forward.
Celebrating Donor Recognition: The SPC also hosted a campus-wide scavenger hunt to educate students about the impact of university donors. Seventeen bows were strategically placed across the Mount Carmel, York Hill and North Haven campuses, each accompanied by a card detailing the donor and the building or space their contribution supported. The initiative, created in collaboration with the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs, aimed to raise awareness about how donor generosity shapes students’ daily experiences.
“Through SPC, I developed both personally and professionally. I was taught how to approach different people, the importance of giving and why we need to encourage philanthropy at Quinnipiac. I got to see the value Quinnipiac had to offer more clearly after learning that so many people contribute to what makes Bobcat Nation so special.”
—Haley Wynne ’25 Founding Member of SPC
WHERE FAMILY VALUES MEET
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Parent Spotlight
Education has always been a core value for the Okorafor family. So when their son, Joshua Okorafor ’28, enrolled at Quinnipiac University in the fall of 2024, Chinedu “Chin” and Ngozi Okorafor knew Quinnipiac would become more than just the place their son pursued his degree — it would become their community, too.
“Education is a gift — it’s what allows someone to become who they are, who they’re meant to be,” says Chin. “We’ve always believed that, which is why we make it a priority to support the institutions we’re part of.”
As generous supporters of the Quinnipiac Fund and active members of the Parents Leadership Council, the Okorafors are delivering on that belief in powerful ways. Their philanthropy helps fuel university priorities that empower student and faculty success. And through their leadership on the Council, they’re helping spark conversations around new and emerging opportunities — conversations enriched by the insights and experiences they bring as Quinnipiac parents.
“It’s been incredibly meaningful to be part of this community — to see firsthand how deeply the institution cares about every child, and how invested the entire Quinnipiac community is in their success,” Chin says.
“My son is my greatest legacy,” he adds. “Knowing that Quinnipiac is taking care of him the way I would? That lets me sleep well at night.”
A NIGHT FOR THE AMBITIOUS
On April 25, nearly 200 members of the Quinnipiac community — an enthusiastic group of students, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, alumni board and advisory members, community partners and friends — gathered in the heart of New York City for an evening of celebration.
The gala honored the philanthropy that has brought the For the Ambitious campaign to life — individual donors who have contributed to advance Quinnipiac’s goals and initiatives and bring our milestone campaign to fruition.
In all, the evening raised more than $1.2 million from generous donors, exceeding its ambitious $1 million goal. Continuing this momentum, save the date for next year’s Night for the Ambitious gala on April 17, 2026, in New York City.
For more information on how to support “A Night for the Ambitious,” please contact Aimee Marcella, AVP for Development and Campaign Management at aimee.marcella@qu.edu or 203-582-7974
The Okorafors attend the inaugural "Night for the Ambitious" in NYC white being photographed by Provost Debra Liebowitz.
FOR THE AMBITIOUS: A CAMPAIGN FOR THE NEXT CENTURY
What does an ambitious future look like?
It’s one where every student has the opportunity to pursue a brighter future — for themselves, their families and the communities they’ll go on to improve.
It’s fueled by innovative programs that challenge our students to anticipate and solve for the challenges of a modern world.
It’s learning with — and from — leaders in their fields: the expert faculty and scholars who are inspiring our students to reimagine their own impact on the world.
It’s creating spaces for our students and faculty to collaborate, discover and explore solutions together, in state-of-the-art classrooms, labs and facilities that inspire excellence.
In just one year, we’ve already begun to realize our most ambitious goals. For the Ambitious: A Campaign for the Next Century is our roadmap to realize what’s possible.
Here’s how your support is helping to make an impact:
MATCHING HOPE WITH OPPORTUNITY
For Jenny J. Lizarraga, MD ’27, the long and winding road that led her to medical school at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine began in a small rural town in Arizona. It was there she witnessed disparities in healthcare firsthand — particularly for those with limited access and limited financial means, like her grandparents.
“Both of my grandparents had many chronic health issues that could have been managed with the right care and treatment, but their village only had access to one doctor, and I saw how detrimental that was to their health and quality of life,” she recalls.
“That’s when I decided I wanted to be that resource for my community one day — to provide the insights and resources that could change the trajectory of someone’s life,” Lizarraga says. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be a doctor.”
Now, Lizarraga is realizing her dream here at Quinnipiac, thanks in large part to the One Million Reasons scholarship, which is helping to fund her education. Lizarraga, who considers herself “a nontraditional student in every sense of the word,” was raised — along with her three siblings — by a single mother in a rural town in Arizona with few academic resources and little guidance on how to advance in one’s education.
Against the odds, Lizarraga became the first in her family to earn a college degree and the first to attend medical school. But despite her determination, finances were always top of mind— until now.
“It’s hard enough to learn medicine, so being stressed about how you’re going to pay rent or tuition, or where your next meal is going to come from — that takes a toll on you,” Lizarraga says.
That toll is one that Bill and Barbara Weldon, both members of the Class of 1971, deeply understood. In fact, it was the inspiration behind their transformational gift that launched a $5 million matching campaign to provide much-needed financial support for aspiring physicians like Lizarraga.
For Bill, former chairman and member of the Board of Trustees at Quinnipiac, who served as chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson from 2002-12, and Barbara, whose father was a physician, closing this financial gap was more than a commitment to a new generation of physicians — it was a commitment to the communities they’ll go on to serve.
“We know that a medical school education is incredibly expensive,” Barbara says. “And with a growing shortage of general practitioners, access to healthcare is becoming even more challenging for those who need it most.”
“I think I speak for both myself and Barb when I say the ability to give back is so rewarding. We’re very fortunate to be able to do that. Quinnipiac is an extraordinary university,” Bill says, adding that he and his wife are helping to build a health center in Riviera Beach, Florida, and continue to support the Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Virginia, along with their many other philanthropic causes.
For the Weldons — longtime Quinnipiac philanthropists — the inspiration behind their gift is twofold: to eliminate the financial burden of medical education, enabling a more robust and diverse cohort of physicians to enter the workforce; and to inspire others to follow their lead.
“The Weldons are leading by example, proving that we all have the power to positively impact lives and help build the future we want to live in,” says Lisa D. Coplit, MD, interim dean of the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine.
“Scholarships ensure that the most promising and compassionate future physicians can answer the call to serve,” Coplit adds. “And this matching gift enables even more brilliant, passionate students to gain an education that teaches them to lead with empathy, work collaboratively and champion our collective wellness.”
To date, the One Million Reasons scholarship initiative has far exceeded its initial $1 million goal, supporting the education of 68 medical students during the 2024-25 academic year. In fiscal year 2025, the total amount raised for medical school scholarships was $765,278, which includes support from 79 unique donors and was matched dollar-for-dollar by Bill and Barbara Weldon. Leadership support for this initiative included the establishment of the Altschuler Impact Fund by David E. Altschuler ’72 in December 2024, a fund that provides financial aid support to military- or veteran-affiliated graduate students. Seven medical students received aid from the Altschuler Impact Fund during the 2024-25 academic year.
Now, as Lizarraga pursues her third year of medical school, her gratitude for the scholarship that has opened exciting, life-changing doors hasn’t waned.
“Most students who get into medicine have had a lot of support — whether that’s financial or systems that have championed their success. I didn’t have that,” she says.
“When someone gets a scholarship, it can really make a huge difference because it can level the playing field. Removing that financial burden is what’s allowed me to rise up and, hopefully, enter the world as the resource my community needs.”
BRIDGING THE FINAL HURDLE
Each year, as a new cohort of 3L students walks across the graduation stage to receive their diplomas, it marks a milestone moment — the culmination of countless hours of study, dedication and perseverance. But as any aspiring lawyer knows, while graduation may close one chapter, a significant hurdle still remains between earning a JD and entering practice: the bar examination.
“If you think about the traditional way a law school works, students graduate, walk across the stage, and then, in many instances, it’s ‘good luck’ and off they go,” says Brian Gallini, dean of Quinnipiac’s School of Law.
“In today’s complex licensing landscape, we want our graduates to view summer bar study as an extension of their education — an integral part of the law school experience. That’s where Bridge to Practice III comes in,” Gallini adds.
The new program, funded through a gift from alumnus Mario Dottori, JD ’87, supports the postgraduate preparation essential for passing the bar exam. Offered to third-year law students and launched just days after graduation, the program provides structure, support and critical tools for graduates as they prepare to sit for the July bar exam.
From day one through bar admission, Bridge to Practice III builds on Quinnipiac Law’s signature Bridge to Practice series — immersive, on-campus experiences that strengthen practical skills crucial for legal practitioners. These skills, Dottori notes, are invaluable for forging a successful career path, whether in private practice, as in-house counsel or for federal, state or local government agencies.
“I’ve been practicing for almost 38 years, and what I’ve found is that — even among students with highly successful law school careers — many graduates aren’t prepared for the rigors and practical aspects of practicing law or advising clients,” he says. “Anything we can do to help them hit the ground running, gain early traction in the marketplace and stand out among the ever more competitive field of candidates will make a difference for Quinnipiac law graduates.”
Dottori’s gift builds on the foundational support of Quinnipiac trustee Richard Silver, Esq., who in 2024 made a transformational gift that provided Helix Bar Review by AccessLex and the 3L Pre-Bar course for all graduating students. Dottori’s and Silver’s investments reflect their shared belief in Dean Gallini’s efforts to ease the mental and financial burdens that often accompany bar preparation.
“Our goal as a law school is to be durable across the ‘big three’: graduation, bar passage and employment,” Gallini says. “We don’t want our students guessing how to achieve these milestones, which is why programs like Bridge to Practice III are so vital.”
For Dottori, this gift is also a way to pay forward the impact of his own scholarship experience — one that allowed him to focus on his studies, which is a “luxury” not available to many law students who must juggle the competing demands of law school studies and a job (to make ends meet).
“That financial flexibility — it’s something I view as giving new lawyers a better opportunity to make an impact in whatever line of work they choose,” Dottori says. “New lawyers should bring more than good grades into a practice; they should bring their own perspective on how the world works.”
While there are plenty of quantitative measures to assess the success of programs like this, Gallini sees the potential for a mindset shift that’s just as meaningful.
“So many graduates describe bar summer as traumatic. In a perfect world, our students would see this preparation as just another chapter in their academic journey,” he says.
“Programs like this, scaffolded since Bridge to Practice I, should leave our students feeling like, ‘This was hard, but I was ready for it.’”
SCHOOL OF NURSING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
Inspired by his own appreciation of the integral role that nurses play within our healthcare system, Board of Trustees member and former president, chief operating officer and director of Alexion Pharmaceuticals David Keiser launched the School of Nursing’s Community Engagement Program (CEP) in 2021.
Now in its fourth year, the comprehensive injury prevention and public outreach initiative has helped more than 3,000 community members
by enhancing the abilities of SON to implement evidence-based injury and violence prevention interventions.
To date, the program has delivered lifesaving education to students across disciplines, covering vital topics like community CPR and automatic external defibrillator (AED) training, cardiovascular health, firearm safety, bicycle safety, Narcan and EpiPen administration, and Stop the Bleed (STP) hemorrhage control.
“The generous funding from the Keiser Foundation has helped Quinnipiac and the School of Nursing develop a comprehensive, robust community engagement program that enables us to generate a pipeline of community-engaged healthcare workers who will care for the health and well-being of our communities in need — including our most vulnerable communities who historically are deprived of access to healthcare.”
Pina Violano ’86, P ’17, P ’20, P ’23, P ’27 Program Director and Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing
LEARNING WITH, AND FROM, THE BEST
As Wayne and Patty Smith P ’24 reflect on their son Cody’s five years at Quinnipiac, one word comes to mind: transformational. And as far as they’re concerned, the catalyst for that change was the university’s greatest asset: its faculty.
“From day one, we saw that Cody was learning in an environment where the people around him truly cared — cared about his success,” recalls Patty, who, along with her husband, has spent the last 25 years as a law school professor in Boston. “Quinnipiac faculty aren’t just there to teach; they’re there to bring out the best in your child.”
Over his five years, Cody — a graphic design major with a minor in film studies and a master’s in cinematic production management in the School of Communications — thrived thanks to the mentorship, guidance and support of his professors, along with opportunities to immerse himself in his studies in new and exciting ways. In the fall of 2022, Cody was accepted into Quinnipiac University in Los Angeles, a signature program that allows students to live, work and learn in the heart of America’s entertainment industry.
“Like many students, Cody is a hands-on guy,” says Wayne. “He tells stories through film and editing — and he loves that. Real-world experiences like QU in LA build confidence, expand students’ networks and give them the chance to apply what they’ve learned alongside working professionals.”
Inspired by their own experience, in 2024, Patty and Wayne established the School of Communications Immersive Experiences Fund — a show of gratitude for two of Quinnipiac’s defining strengths: its exceptional faculty and unmatched immersive learning opportunities.
The fund supports QU in LA and other experiential learning programs within the School of Communications, with a particular focus on the Interactive Media and Communications (ICM) and Producing for Film and Television fields. It also recognizes the essential role of faculty, providing stipends to support professional development in emerging areas of the field.
“This fund is a powerful investment in the School of Communications’ immersive learning experiences and engaged, forward-thinking faculty,” says Nadine Barnett Cosby, dean of the School of Communications.
“Thanks to the Smiths’ generosity, more students will access transformative opportunities like QU in LA, and our faculty will be better equipped to stay ahead in a fast-changing field,” she adds.
“As faculty, we sometimes hear about the positive impact we’ve had on our students, but often, they move on to new adventures and we’re left wondering what role we played in their success,” says Kent Golden, assistant teaching professor of interactive media and design and fund recipient.
“The Smiths’ support is a tangible reminder that every semester, every day, we’re making a difference — and helping prepare our students for a successful life,” he adds.
Now, with their son a proud Quinnipiac graduate, Patty and Wayne are excited to see the continued impact their support will have on a new generation of curious, creative and ambitious students like Cody.
“A high GPA is great, and when you also see your child doing work outside of school that really excites them — when they’ve found their niche — there’s nothing better than that,” says Wayne. “We believe immersive learning experiences, alongside passionate and invested faculty, play a key role in that success for the students.”
“The Immersive Experiences Fund is helping to fund endeavors that broaden the skillset of our film professors, pushing our curriculum forward by providing opportunities for professional development. For example, Professor Ashley Brandon was able to enroll in a screenwriting lab at the Sundance Institute this spring thanks to the fund. Not only was she energized by the course, but she will bring those new narrative skills into her directing courses. Without the fund, these types of opportunities would not be possible.”
Frederick K. Staudmyer, Chair and Associate Professor, Film, Television and Media Arts
SPACES THAT SHAPE TOMORROW
At Quinnipiac, we’re reimagining the future of higher education by building spaces that bring bold ideas to life. Through our For the Ambitious campaign, we’re creating dynamic environments that empower students to innovate and grow. Capital projects are a cornerstone of this effort, providing every deserving student with access to modern facilities that foster academic excellence and a vibrant campus community.
New spaces are redefining how students live, learn and thrive at Quinnipiac. In 2024-25, The Grove welcomed first-year students into an intentional living-learning community focused on sustainability, equity and leadership. Just steps away, the South Quad debuted two landmark facilities: the new School of Business and The SITE, Quinnipiac’s new academic building dedicated to science, innovation, technology and exploration. This state-of-the-art facility features modern classrooms, cutting-edge research labs, and immersive learning environments designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world problem solving.
At the heart of the new School of Business: the Brett M. Amendola Family Atrium, a bright, open and welcoming space that invites connection. This expansive, light-filled hub was made possible through the generosity of trustee Brett Amendola ’91, P ’21, P ’27. The Atrium serves as a dynamic gathering place where students from across disciplines come together to collaborate, reflect and inspire one another. Whether meeting with faculty, working on group projects or sharing ideas between classes, students experience the Amendola Atrium as a launchpad for creativity and discovery.
“When we design spaces, we don’t design architectural monuments. We design spaces that prompt the learning and behaviors that advance not just our values, but our dreams and aspirations,” President Emerita Judy Olian says. “Together, these buildings will do just that, and so much more.”
Capital projects like these are only possible through the generosity of donors who believe in reimagining what’s possible. Every contribution, large or small, builds something bigger than brick and mortar. Together, we’re creating spaces that empower students to lead, collaborate and transform the future.
“With these buildings, we are preparing our students for 21st-century careers,” Olian says, “fostering community, connectedness and a sustainable environment.”
TOGETHER, WE
RISE
This year’s achievements are a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose. If these stories have inspired you, we invite you to connect with us at ambitious.qu.edu to learn more about the impact your philanthropy can have.
As we look ahead to our centennial and beyond, we’re grateful to have a community of supporters who believe in Quinnipiac’s vision. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.