Saint Peter’s College ended the fiscal year on a high note: 480 more donors supported the College – soon to be University – in fiscal year 2012, which runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. In numbers, this is an outstanding 13.5 percent increase over fiscal year 2011.
"Saint Peter’s continues to be blessed with so many loyal and new believers,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s College. “On behalf of the entire Saint Peter’s community, I want to thank each and every donor who made this year’s success possible."
Additional statistics for fiscal year 2012 include an increase of 209 alumni donors, which brings Saint Peter’s alumni participation rate to more than 11 percent – a percentage point higher than the national average. While this figure is impressive, the College hopes even more alumni will consider giving back to alma mater to ensure that deserving students continue to have access to a quality Jesuit education.
"We’re not satisfied at all with 11 percent,” said Michael A. Fazio, vice president for advancement and external affairs at Saint Peter’s College. “But clearly, our alumni and friends see what’s happening here. Our academic profile is on the rise. So, too, are our facilities. We believe our donor base will only continue to grow."
According to the final totals, 524 donors increased the size of their gift from the previous fiscal year, while 666 donors gave to the College for the first time. The latter statistic includes more than 200 members of the Class of 2012, who generously contributed to the Senior Class Gift and made history in the process by being the only class in a decade to surpass the target goal, this year set at $2,012.
Through the support of these and other generous donors, $6.6 million in cash was secured, including nearly $3.3 million for The Mac Mahon Student Center. Another $2 million was designated for unrestricted and scholarship support.
The College’s major capital campaign initiative, titled Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s College, also thrived during fiscal year 2012. With the goal of raising $62 million, cash and pledges increased by more than $5 million, bringing the Campaign’s current total to $51,047,953.
These positive outcomes help the College in many ways. The increase in alumni participation enhances the College’s standing when seeking corporate and foundation support; many of such organizations consider alumni participation when determining how much funding they give to colleges and universities. It also increases the College’s ranking in publications such as US News & World Report, which consider alumni participation when placing the College on lists that help prospective students decide their future in higher education. Most importantly, the funds collected are used to advance Jesuit, Catholic higher education, such as with providing deserving – yet financially challenged – students with scholarships.
During fiscal year 2013, Saint Peter’s College looks forward to continuing this momentum and garnering even more contributors who believe in the College’s mission. Yet, this cannot be done without the support of donors. To make a gift, visit www.spc.edu/giving.