Jersey City – Despite an economic climate that has adversely affected philanthropy in the United States, Saint Peter’s College saw a 22% increase in giving made to the College throughout Fiscal Year 2009, which took place July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009. During this time, Saint Peter’s received more than $5.7 million in outright gifts and pledge payments.
According to Michael A. Fazio, vice president for advancement at Saint Peter’s, credit for this increase should be attributed to College President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. “We’re creating believers,” said Fazio. “President Cornacchia’s vision is bold and energizing for our stakeholders. Donors appreciate this and see their gifts as an investment in the future of the College.”
Of the $5.7 million, nearly $1.9 million was raised for the Saint Peter’s College Annual Fund, which includes unrestricted monies and gifts to annual scholarships for eligible students. An additional $1.1 million was raised for the College’s endowment, mostly through endowed scholarship funds that will live in perpetuity.
The College’s Capital Campaign is also making tremendous progress. “We have not yet publicly stated our goal and don’t intend to for some time, but I am thrilled to announce that we have reached one-third of our projected target,” Fazio stated. “We doubled Campaign giving. Saint Peter’s is blessed with an outstanding staff and group of volunteers; they made it happen.”
The College has many types of donors, including alumni and other individual givers, corporations, foundations, donor-advised funds and organizations. While the vast majority of gifts made to the College are typically directed toward the Annual Fund or high-priority capital projects, donors may also restrict their gifts to other areas deemed a priority at the College, such as faculty research, athletic teams or specific academic departments, among many others.
“It’s heartening to see so many alumni and friends step forward, especially during these difficult times," Fazio also noted. For more information on giving to Saint Peter’s College, visit the Office of Advancement Web site.
Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is a Jesuit, Catholic college in the liberal arts tradition located in the heart of Jersey City, N.J., with a branch campus in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and course offerings on the Jersey City Waterfront and at various corporate sites throughout New Jersey. Educating over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 50 programs, Saint Peter’s College is committed to academic excellence and individual attention, preparing students for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service in a diverse and global society.