2026 IMPACT REPORT
The Momentum Continues
OUR MISSION
At the University of Dubuque, we are dedicated to preparing students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Through academic excellence, personal growth, and a supportive learning community, the University equips individuals to think critically, act with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to their professions, communities, and the world.
THE MOMENTUM CONTINUES Greetings from the University of Dubuque, In 1852, Adrian Van Vliet envisioned a place where those called to ministry could receive formal training. Inspired by the spiritual needs of German immigrants in the Dubuque area, he set out to create an institution dedicated to equipping others for lives of faith and service. From that vision, the University of Dubuque was born. Nearly 175 years later, Van Vliet’s legacy and spirit continue to shape our Mission and work at the University of Dubuque, and your role in that story is meaningful. Within these pages, you will see the remarkable difference your generosity – and the generosity of other alumni, friends, and community partners – is making. Your support is providing opportunity and community, a place to grow and become more, all while fueling exciting possibilities for the future of our students and the university. This report also provides an update on the Momentum Campaign, our comprehensive effort to envision and shape the future of the University, our students, and the larger community around us. Together, we are creating a lasting legacy; a testament to those that have come before us, the lives we touch, and the futures we help shape. We hope you find this report both informative and inspiring, and that you feel as proud of your impact as we are. In gratitude for your partnership in this place we call home,
Scott Rima C’01, MBA’21 Vice President for Advancement
IMPACT DATA Fiscal year 2026 Stats
(June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026) Number of donors:
1,643
Within these pages, we invite you to discover how a year of courageously adventuring into the future has made a lasting impact for the university, the students we serve, and the communities that surround us. Together, we’ve accomplished much in the last year and with you, we look forward to the opportunities a new year brings.
Alumni, friends and community partners
Total gifts:
3,923
Over 800 donors helped us reach our largest Annual Fund year yet!
Gifts added to endowment:
$883.5K
Endowment:
$438.9M
222
196
Heritage Society Members
1852 Society Members
GRADUATION STATS Undergrad
433 Degrees were conferred
Graduate
281
110
Physician Assistant Seminary
Certificates 13 40 were earned
ATHLETIC STATS
4 Conference Championships!
14
Consecutive
TH Key City Clash winner UD vs. Loras football
205
29
All-Academic Honoree Student-Athletes
MOMENTUM CAMPAIGN The Momentum is Building Momentum Campaign Progress
October 2 We launched with $117,955,972
Current balance: $133,500,000 Goal: $150 Million In gifts, pledges, and estate gifts
Priority Areas: Expand Student Scholarships & Financial Aid This is an investment in access, in the leaders of tomorrow, and in making a UD education affordable. Build the Future of Learning This is an investment to create a dynamic environment for innovation and growth Enhance Academic Programs & Faculty Excellence This is an investment in people – the faculty and programs that bring the college of the future to life. Innovation & Investment in Technology This is an investment in the tools and technologies that prepare the university to adapt, excel, and lead. Annual Fund & Institutional Funds This is an investment in the heart of UD. Your unrestricted gift provides immediate-use funds that fuel innovation, sustain programs, and provide the flexibility to adapt as challenges and opportunities arise. dbq.edu/momentum
PROGRAMS DELIVERED There’s much to celebrate at UD! We are grateful for the role each and every one of our alumni, friends, faith, and community partners play. Because of you, we have made incredible progress for the University, but even more, we’ve made incredible opportunities happen for students. Thank you. Since the Momentum Campaign has launched we’ve seen….. Because of people like you.
Transformational Gifts in
Scholarship support New facilities and historical renovation O Character initiatives O O
Significant Gifts for
Every gift, no matter the size, is impactful and appreciated
Scholarship support Endowment O Brain health initiatives O Charles C. Myers Library support O Seminary recruiting and retention O Technology and equipment for many areas and departments O Research and living laboratories O O
Leadership Gifts
Over 200 alumni, friends, and community partners gave annual gifts of over $1,000 providing the University immediate use funds for scholarships and other institutional priorities.
IMPACT STORIES Nick Elder Recipient of the University of Dubuque Inclusive Excellence Award “What I love about teaching undergraduate classes as a seminary professor is the opportunity to introduce students to ideas and worldviews that are very often not their own. While I am upfront about my own religious commitments with students, I do not expect that they will always share them. I very often tell students, “Even if you come from a different religious tradition or have no religious tradition at all, I hope that this class will help you understand the Bible and Christianity better. If you do have religious commitments, Christian or otherwise, I hope that this class will deepen those.” It is very important to me that students know that they do not have to hold a specific worldview to think deeply about religion, Christianity, and the Bible, and to succeed in my classes.”
What is Nick teaching? The undergraduate classes that I regularly teach are: Theology 107: What is the Bible? Theology 122: Jesus at the Movies. The seminary classes that I most regularly teach are: BI 550: Introduction to the New Testament BI 502: Introduction to New Testament Greek.
Professor Nick Elder Professor of New Testament University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
ACADEMIC WEAPON
Mission:
BE dedicated. BECOME an Academic Weapon!
Thanks to the generosity of donors through the University of Dubuque Momentum Campaign, the Academic Success Center continues to equip students with the resources, encouragement, and support they need to thrive. What began as a phrase among student-athletes— Academic Weapon—has grown into a campus-wide mindset that celebrates dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Your investment makes this possible by creating opportunities for students to access tutoring, coaching, writing support, and a community that believes in their success. An Academic Weapon isn’t defined by perfect grades, but by the determination to work hard, seek support, and achieve meaningful goals. Because of you, more students are building the confidence and skills to succeed—in the classroom and beyond.
LOOKING AHEAD
As we look to the future, the MOMENTUM we have built together continues to create incredible opportunities. Your partnership makes this progress possible. Thank you for believing in our Mission and for courageously adventuring into the future with us. The Momentum Continues. And together, so does our impact.
JOIN THE MOMENT How you can make an impact. Visit campus or join us at an upcoming event. Save the Date O O
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Homecoming 2026, October 07 – 11 Ribbon cutting, Babka Aviation Center expansion and hangar addition, October 7 UD Men‘s Soccer, October 7 President’s Homecoming Celebration, October 9
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UD Football, October 10
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UD Baseball at the Field of Dreams, October 11
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Athletic Hall of Fame, November 14
Help us connect with future students. Admissions If you or someone you know is interested in attending the University of Dubuque, we invite you to reach out to the Admissions Department at 563.589.3000. For seminary certificate and degree interest, please contact 563.589.3115.
Thank You! Celebrating 175 Years June 2027 — May 2028