WE DO, The Campaign for Bucknell University, Surpasses $500 Million Goal

LEWISBERG, Pa., July 1, 2017 Aspiration. It's a foundational element of BucknellPresident John Bravman's vision for the University's future. It was aspiration that drove Bravman to increase the goal for WE DO, The Campaign for Bucknell, from $400 million to half-a-billion dollars before its launch in October 2012.

Now, less than five years later, the hope of achieving such an ambitious goal has transformed into a reality — the University has surpassed WE DO's $500 million milestone.

"This is an extraordinary achievement, one only possible through the commitment of our faculty and staff, and of the tens of thousands of donors who not only believe in the power of a Bucknell education, but also aspire to make what is already an excellent institution even stronger," Bravman said.

Commitments from more than 44,000 donors brought WE DO to its successful conclusion, and in impressive fashion: The University raised $100 million In the past 12 months alone, nearly doubling the previous one-year record.

The defining moment came with a phone call to Bravman in mid-June. On the line was Ken Langone '57 P'83 with news that he and his wife, Elaine P'83, were pledging to make a future gift of $30 million — the largest single commitment in school history — to benefit financial aid, the campaign's top fundraising priority.

"It was a conversation I'll never forget," Bravman said. "Many people who see Ken and Elaine's names on two of our most prominent buildings might not appreciate their true passion: creating opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams through the power of a Bucknell education."

With the conclusion of the campaign, the Langones also revealed they were behind a 2013 anonymous pledge of $10 million, also for future financial aid. Their WE DO gifts and pledges total more than $42 million.

"Ken, like myself, is a first-generation college student, so he knows firsthand the life-changing impact of a Bucknell education," Bravman added. "Through their continued support, he and Elaine have transformed the lives of an untold number of future Bucknellians. On behalf of the entire Bucknell community, I extend my deepest gratitude to Ken and Elaine for their generosity and leadership."

The Langones' $30 million commitment was the second record-breaking gift of the campaign. In February 2016, Bob '45 P'75, P'79, P'87 and Doris Malesardipledged $20 million to endowed scholarships, and created a matching-gift program designed to amplify the impact of their support. To date, the matching program has inspired over 70 gifts totaling nearly $23 million. In honor of their support and leadership, the University officially renamed the academic heart of campus the Malesardi Quadrangle.

"I am humbled to be part of such a devoted community of students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff, and friends," said Bravman, who is entering his eighth year as Bucknell's 17th president. "It's difficult to express my deep gratitude for their belief in Bucknell. We pride ourselves on a tradition of great education and great outcomes, and the success of the WE DO Campaign positions Bucknell to evolve into an even stronger University for many decades to come — long after our time as stewards of this institution has passed."

One of the most important outcomes of WE DO is not measured in dollars, but in enthusiasm and support for the University on a scale never before seen among Bucknellians, Bravman noted. Over the course of the campaign, thousands of alumni, parents, volunteers and friends attended WE DO events both on campus and across the country.

"The response from alumni, parents and other supporters has been heartwarming and heartfelt.  Those emotions and that legacy will continue long past this campaign," said campaign chair and Bucknell trustee Steve Holmes '79 P'06 P'08. "WE DO has strengthened the sense of community among Bucknellians and instilled an even greater pride in the University. We trust that future Bucknellians will continue this tradition of support for our alma mater."

Campaign support will benefit Bucknell students, faculty and staff, and campus today and in the future. More than $170 million has been raised for financial aid endowment, more than $100 million for academic programs and support, and more than $60 million for facilities. Finally, thousands of alumni, parents and friends have collectively given more than $130 million to the Bucknell annual giving funds.

"I am so grateful for the strong support of Bucknell alumni and parents from around the world, and I could not be prouder of our team," said Scott Rosevear, vice president for Development & Alumni Relations. "It was a tremendous collaborative effort with our faculty, staff and volunteers, and it's gratifying to know that together with our supporters, we have positively impacted the Bucknell experience for current and future students."

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SOURCE Bucknell University