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After nine years and more than $64 million raised, The College of St. Scholastica wrapped up the capital campaign A Second Century of Saints: Believe. Belong. Transform. on June 30, 2023.
“The campaign was originally envisioned as a seven-year, $50 million effort. In November 2021, we launched the public phase of this campaign, intending to increase that total to $62.6 million by June 30 of this year,” President Barbara McDonald said at the campaign celebration on June 23. “And we’ve exceeded our expectations in large part because all of us believe that creating a place of belonging and transforming our students to be the future leaders we need is a cause very much worth investing in. These students, our graduates and current students, are indeed the hope of the future and we believe this space and investment will serve them well.”
Launched in 2014 under the leadership of President Larry Goodwin, the silent phase of A Second Century of Saints raised nearly $50 million and provided funding for multiple projects, including the renovation of the simulation labs in the School of Nursing, the construction of the Health Sciences Center at BlueStone and more. Between July 2021 and July 2023, St. Scholastica raised $15.8 million, which will primarily support scholarship opportunities, emerging priorities and the construction of the student center building. Construction of the student center began in April 2023 and the space will open for the fall 2024 semester.
“A campaign without impact is meaningless. It is just a set of numbers. This campaign has had real meaning and impact at the heart of our mission to provide intellectual and moral preparation for responsible living and meaningful work,” Chris Mueller, vice president of College Advancement, shared at the campaign celebration.
Throughout the campaign and the celebration, the institution’s focus on its Benedictine values and heritage has been at the forefront. Dr. Randall Poole, professor of intellectual history, reiterated the necessity of investing in this type of education: “It is often said that liberal education is about the whole person. It’s not just a cliché. Nothing is more important than understanding what it means to be human, especially for those whose work is the care of persons … It turns out that in seeking to understand human nature, in plumbing the depths of human dignity, we can also understand more about the nature of reality itself. These big questions are at the heart of the Catholic intellectual tradition and liberal learning. Our mission is centered on the Benedictine values.”
Jaiden McCormick, who completed her undergraduate and graduate occupational therapy degrees at St. Scholastica before returning as an adjunct instructor for a semester, offered insight into the unique educational experiences provided through the maurice’s Community Clinic at the Health Sciences Center at BlueStone: “Working in the clinic offered an extra edge and advancement compared to other OT programs. By having our own individual clients, we were able to truly focus on providing individualized care that was meaningful and purposeful. I loved that we had the experience of interdisciplinary learning while providing a free service to the community. St. Scholastica has enhanced my creativity, collaboration skills and compassion for working and providing individualized and meaningful therapy.”
Echoing President McDonald in his remarks at the campaign celebration, campaign co-chair Chris Dolan said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. We are changing the world through this campaign. With your help, we are transforming and sending forth thoughtful leaders – the second century of Saints who are prepared and committed to serve and transform the world again.”
More than 6,709 unique donors supported 336 funds during A Second Century of Saints campaign. A campaign report, including video highlights from the campaign celebration, is available at css.edu/campaign.
