With a recent $3 million estate gift commitment, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota continues to build toward its ongoing $100 million challenge, made in 2023.
The most recent gift commitment, from a graduate who wishes to remain anonymous, brings the total raised to $40 million, with substantial additional funds pending or in planning.
This benefactor, a longtime university supporter, said the reasons behind this commitment are multifold: “I believe in education, and education was always very important to my family. Saint Mary’s has always been a special place, and I’d like to see the endowment grow so it will survive long into the future and be as helpful to future students as it was to me. It prepared me well for a career in the financial industry, and I built lifelong friendships there.”
The benefactor added the estate gift commitment was made because of dedication and belief in Saint Mary’s and its Lasallian mission, sharing, “Saint Mary’s cultivates bright, conscientious graduates who have character and virtue. The courses and curriculum provide students with the tools they need to enter the current workforce and create successful careers.” And, in today’s work climate, the benefactor believes the caliber of students earning degrees at Saint Mary’s is particularly needed.
The benefactor particularly credited the forward-thinking of the Very Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president. As higher education continues to face challenges in both funding and enrollment, this graduate appreciates Father Burns’ ability to look at future industry needs and think outside the box, changing course as needed for the university’s sustainability and the betterment of society.
“We continue to be extremely thankful for the generosity of our benefactors,” said Father Burns. “These commitments reaffirm that we are making sound decisions not only from a business standpoint but most especially in fulfilling our responsibilities as a Lasallian Catholic university with an understanding of a well-rounded, liberal arts related education for our students. Estate commitments are an impactful way to leave a legacy for generations of learners. Our benefactors, including the families behind this gift and the $25 million gift, along with so many others, have found tremendous success in their lives, and we are grateful they continue to give back, believing Saint Mary’s was and remains instrumental to their success while continuing to build on the gifts they have received.”
Knowing this estate gift’s impact will multiply — because of the $100 million challenge — was especially meaningful in this most recent gift. “It was important to me to be part of that challenge,” the benefactor said. “There are many ways we can help Saint Mary’s, and one of the ways we can help them reach their goal faster is by including them in our estate plans.”
The original $100 million challenge benefactor and his family recently confirmed their ongoing support and commitment to Saint Mary’s, defining their role as long-term partners for the university’s success and sustainability.
