WINONA, Minn. — On Thursday, Oct. 10, Saint Mary’s University launched the public phase of its $125 million “Rooted in Faith: Growing Our Future” comprehensive campaign — the most ambitious campaign in the university’s history. The campaign launch, celebrated with close to 200 honored benefactors and guests on its Winona Campus, was held during its annual Benefactor Recognition Dinner.
“Through the generosity of our benefactors we are able to announce that we are already well on our way to achieving our $125 million goal,” said Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary’s. “Despite the challenges that we have faced in higher education, we are grateful for our many partners who have joined us in making our mission come alive. Most importantly, we see this in the way our students will benefit from this campaign. With these gifts, we are reaffirming our vision for Lasallian Catholic education, a unique approach that provides students with character-building experiences and prepares them for career success and to be ethical leaders. We invite others to join us in investing in forming our students today as they become the leaders of tomorrow.”
The campaign is divided into four initiatives:
Student Success: Our priority is to ensure the success and well-being of every student, encompassing both their academic journey and personal growth. This includes initiatives such as raising funds for scholarships to make higher education accessible to all, supporting our First Generation Initiative to provide specialized resources and mentorship for first-generation college students, and enhancing our Career Services to equip students with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in their chosen fields post-graduation.
Academic & Co-Curricular Experience: By prioritizing the integration of academic excellence with a rich array of co-curricular opportunities, we are able to create a holistic learning environment that empowers students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Lasallian Catholic Mission and Endowment Growth: Our Lasallian Catholic mission is the essence of our institution’s identity, guiding every one of our interactions and commitments. We value critical thinking, problem-solving, and character-building as much as academic excellence. Recognizing the importance of sustaining our mission-driven initiatives, we seek philanthropic investment in our endowment growth. Through prudent stewardship and strategic investment, we fortify the foundation of our mission, securing resources to empower future generations in their pursuit of knowledge, character, and service.
Operational Vitality: By securing essential resources to optimize our operations, we ensure the delivery of an exceptional Lasallian Catholic educational experience while effectively managing costs and adapting to changing needs and circumstances. The Saint Mary’s Fund, the Annual Trustees Entrepreneurial Fund, and funds for technology are vital components of this strategic priority, providing the necessary support to sustain and enhance our institutional capabilities.
To learn more about the campaign or to make a gift, go to smumn.edu/rooted-in-faith.
