Jersey City, N.J. – December 5, 2014 – Saint Peter’s University has officially announced the successful conclusion of the most transformational capital campaign in the University’s history, Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s University. With a goal of $62 million, the Campaign exceeded expectations with a final total of $64,239,287.
“I am so thankful for the more than 9,400 donors who have supported this campaign and made an investment in our students and in this great University’s vision for the future,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University. “I am also grateful for the faculty, staff, advancement team and leadership donors who helped make this a reality.”
Students at the Center was publicly launched in May 2011 with construction of the University’s first ever student center at the heart of the comprehensive campaign. Five additional priorities for the Campaign included Academics, The Saint Peter Fund, Endowment, Athletics and Jesuit Mission and Identity.
The Mac Mahon Student Center is a six-story, nearly-90,000 square foot facility located on the east side of campus spanning from Montgomery Street to Glenwood Avenue. The signature building officially opened in March 2013 and has transformed the physical campus and currently serves as a dynamic hub of activity for the University community as it is the new home for dining, fitness, learning and socializing. In addition, it serves the local community through The Duncan Family Sky Room, an event facility on the sixth floor that provides space for special events and community meetings. The state-of-the-art facility was recently awarded LEED-Silver Certification.
The University celebrated the conclusion of the Campaign on Friday night with a black-tie event in the Mac Mahon Student Center. Attended by more than 300 guests, the invitation-only cocktail gala featured an inspiring performance by Saint Peter’s students who revealed how Students at the Center personally impacted them.
“Five years ago personal financial setbacks forced me to leave another college without even a transcript in hand,” said Matthew Feeney ’15. “My life plan was in rubble, but Saint Peter’s offered me a chance to rebuild. They accepted me as a freshman, offered financial help and showed me what people who care can do for each other. The generosity of this school and our donors has set an example for all of us.”
Leadership-level University supporters, faculty and staff were in attendance to help celebrate the momentous event. In addition to applauding the significant accomplishment, University leaders also discussed plans for the future.
“This historic achievement has established a solid foundation for Saint Peter’s to continue on its positive trajectory, but the work doesn’t stop here,” said Francis A. McGrail ’79, chairman of Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s University. “Ongoing support is necessary to maintain this momentum and to continue to make a Saint Peter’s education possible for current and future students.”
For more information, or to make a gift to Saint Peter’s University, please visit www.saintpeters.edu/campaign.
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Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, please visit www.saintpeters.edu.
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