Overwhelming community response secures future-forward support for the university’s Lasallian Catholic mission
Following months of incredible campaign momentum, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is thrilled to announce that it has successfully met its $5 million matching gift challenge, which officially concluded on July 1, 2026.
First announced in late March, the challenge was sparked by a transformative $5 million commitment from an anonymous alumnus and his family. Designed as a dollar-for-dollar match, the overwhelming response from alumni, benefactors, and friends of Saint Mary’s has effectively turned that initial commitment into an investment of over $10 million towards the university’s long-term sustainability and growth.
“We are profoundly grateful and deeply moved by the incredible response from our community, who answered this call to action with remarkable generosity,” said Saint Mary’s University president, Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D. “To have met the $5 million match by July 1 is a true testament to the shared dedication of our Saint Mary’s family to our future and an answer to our prayers. Seeing our community unite so fully demonstrates the deep bond our alumni and friends have with Saint Mary’s, for our mission, and for our students and employees. This extraordinary response will ensure that our vibrant, Lasallian Catholic education continues to remain accessible for generations to come.”
While the July 1 deadline officially concludes this specific $5 million matching window, university leadership emphasizes that the momentum must continue.
The successful completion of this match represents a major leap forward for Saint Mary’s overarching $100 million challenge, which is still accepting contributions as Saint Mary’s pushes toward its institutional and strategic goals. Thanks to the collective efforts of the Saint Mary’s community, the university will continue to build on this historic foundation, directly shaping the success of the university’s strategic vision for the future.
For more information on the ongoing $100 million challenge, or to make a cash or planned gift to support Saint Mary’s, please contact the Saint Mary’s University Office of Advancement at (507) 457-6647 or via email at giving@smumn.edu.
