Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University has announced the successful completion of its Forever Orange Campaign, raising nearly $1.6 billion by December 31, 2024. This surpasses the original goal of $1.5 billion set for the campaign, which began five years ago. The funds are intended to transform the university's campus, enhance academic programs, and increase access for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Chancellor Kent Syverud expressed gratitude towards those who contributed to exceeding the campaign's goals. "The extraordinary generosity of so many is already having a profound impact—transforming our campus, driving academic excellence and providing life-changing opportunities for our students," he stated.

The campaign raised a total of $1,590,234,203 from 125,699 donors including trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, families and friends. It also exceeded its engagement target with over 20.5% alumni participation.

Funds from the campaign will support various initiatives such as research funding, faculty recruitment through the Faculty Excellence Program which created 117 positions and fellowships and expanded financial aid with over 800 new scholarships. Additionally, more than $1.3 billion was directed towards schools and colleges within Syracuse University.

Significant developments include doubling the university’s endowment to $2.1 billion and establishing centers like the Lender Center for Social Justice and the Institute for Democracy in Washington D.C. The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications received a historic gift from the Newhouse family during this period.

Campus transformations included creating facilities like the National Veterans Resource Center at Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building dedicated to veterans' well-being; converting Manley Field House into John A. Lally Athletics Complex; revitalizing Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center; renovating JMA Wireless Dome; consolidating student services into Barnes Center at The Arch; constructing Einhorn Family Walk; and converting space into Barner-McDuffie House celebrating Black student experience.

Tracy Barlok emphasized that success relied on relationships built over time: “When we talk about a campaign’s success... campaigns are really built on relationships...”

The campaign was chaired by trustees Patricia Mautino ’64 G’66 Mike Thonis ’72 late H John Riley Jr ’61 whose leadership played a crucial role according to Barlok: “We are grateful to them... And we’re so excited for what’s ahead.”

Syracuse University continues its mission as a private research institution advancing knowledge across disciplines through its collection of schools offering customizable majors bridging education with action tackling challenges using interdisciplinary approaches forming an impactful community moving ideas beyond possibilities.