Following the recent announcement of a transformative $5 million matching gift challenge from an anonymous alumnus and their family, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is thrilled to report an overwhelmingly positive response and incredible campaign momentum from across our community so far.
Since the challenge was introduced, alumni, benefactors, and friends of Saint Mary’s have stepped forward with an inspiring level of engagement that demonstrates a deep, shared dedication to the university’s mission, ensuring it will continue to provide a vibrant, accessible education for future generations.
“I have chosen to support Saint Mary’s because it is a university that has been true to its ideals and mission. It continues to pursue academic rigor while maintaining its Lasallian faith-based focus,” commented Steve Rice, Saint Mary’s Class of 1979 alumnus and matching challenge participant. “Saint Mary’s evokes a real feeling of community with excellent faculty that take a true personal interest in the development of their students.”
The enthusiasm across the Saint Mary’s network continues to build as the university enters the final stretch of this matching campaign, which concludes on July 1, 2026.
“We are deeply moved by the incredible generosity and swift response of our community,” said Saint Mary’s University president, Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D. “This matching gift is a call to action, and our alumni and partners have answered that call with remarkable spirit. Seeing our community unite so quickly in response to this generous match has been nothing short of inspiring, in the true Lasallian spirit. It demonstrates the profound dedication our alumni and friends have for Saint Mary’s, our mission, and our students.”
Saint Mary’s invites all members of the community to participate in the challenge. Every single contribution — regardless of size — will be matched dollar-for-dollar, and the university encourages participation before the July 1 deadline to maximize the full $5 million match.
Stretch your generosity further today
Every gift makes a direct difference, and together, the Saint Mary’s community can achieve this historic milestone. To participate in the $5 million challenge and ensure it qualifies for the match, please make a gift here.
For more information regarding the matching challenge or other ways to give, please contact Saint Mary’s University’s Office of Advancement at (507) 457-6647 or via email at giving@smumn.edu.
