Emporia State University’s landmark Together, Forward fundraising campaign raised $91,714,500, surpassing its original goal to become the most successful fundraising effort in ESU history.
The announcement was made Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, during the Together, Forward Campaign Celebration at ESU’s Memorial Union, where guests gathered to recognize the remarkable generosity of the campaign’s donors and acknowledge the opportunities this philanthropy will create for ESU students.
“The overwhelming success of the Together, Forward fundraising campaign is a testament to the support of those who believe in Emporia State University’s fundamental mission: to offer our students invaluable and authentic college experiences. We are eternally grateful for those who have helped us complete this record-setting campaign,” said Shane Shivley, vice president for University Advancement and president of the ESU Foundation.
The ESU Foundation began the Together, Forward campaign in 2017 with an initial fundraising goal of $50 million. The student-centered campaign focused on several key pillars — raising money for talent-based scholarships, expanding students’ real-world learning opportunities and providing financial support for facilities and campus initiatives.
The campaign eclipsed both the initial fundraising goal and a subsequent stretch fundraising goal of $75 million. Financial support for the campaign came from 12,746 individual donors, including 5,339 who were first-time contributors to ESU, and more than 64,000 gifts. Of the total dollars raised, 38% are endowed and 34% are planned gifts which will be realized in the future and will go toward student scholarships, support for academic programs, facilities and ESU athletics.
“By giving to Emporia State University, the donors to the Together, Forward Campaign have empowered our students and faculty,” said ESU President Ken Hush. “Every dollar from donors, our city and county partners and the state mean less burden for students and their families. Supporting our students is the most important role we have at Emporia State.”