WINONA, Minn. — On Thursday, May 1, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota celebrated its most ambitious fundraising effort to date, the $125 million “Rooted in Faith: Growing Our Future” comprehensive campaign. Faculty, staff, alumni, and benefactors gathered on the Winona Campus to honor the collective efforts that made this achievement possible.
“We are proud to announce the successful completion of the largest and most expansive campaign in Saint Mary’s history — Rooted in Faith: Growing Our Future,” said Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., president of Saint Mary’s. “Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our benefactors, we have not only met but surpassed our goal, raising more than $130 million— and counting. Coming off the success of our previous $73 million campaign, this milestone reflects the incredible commitment of our community.”
Father Burns also expressed gratitude to the individuals who guided the campaign, “I want to thank Vice President Gary Klein and our advancement team, as well as campaign co-chairs Sandi Simon and Elaine and Roger Haydock, for leading this effort with unwavering trust, hope, love, and vision.”
Gary Klein, vice president for advancement and alumni relations, added, “It has been a true joy to witness such an extraordinary outpouring of support. With 98 percent of campaign contributions benefactor-designated for specific priorities, we will now continue to reach for our goals to strengthen our Catholic identity, ensure financial sustainability, and expand opportunities for our students.”
The campaign is divided into four initiatives:
Student Success: The priority here is to ensure the success and well-being of every student, encompassing both their academic journey and personal growth. This includes initiatives such as raising funds for scholarships to make higher education accessible to all, supporting our First Generation Initiative to provide specialized resources and mentorship for first-generation college students, and enhancing our Career Services to equip students with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in their chosen fields post-graduation.
Academic & Co-Curricular Experience: By prioritizing the integration of academic excellence with a rich array of co-curricular opportunities, we are able to create a holistic learning environment that empowers students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Lasallian Catholic Mission and Endowment Growth: Our Lasallian Catholic mission is the essence of our institution’s identity, guiding every one of our interactions and commitments. We value critical thinking, problem-solving, and character-building as much as academic excellence. Recognizing the importance of sustaining our mission-driven initiatives, we seek philanthropic investment in our endowment growth. Through prudent stewardship and strategic investment, we fortify the foundation of our mission, securing resources to empower future generations in their pursuit of knowledge, character, and service.
Operational Vitality: By securing essential resources to optimize our operations, we ensure the delivery of an exceptional Lasallian Catholic educational experience while effectively managing costs and adapting to changing needs and circumstances. The Saint Mary’s Fund, the Annual Trustees Entrepreneurial Fund, and funds for technology are vital components of this strategic priority, providing the necessary support to sustain and enhance our institutional capabilities.
The campaign will officially close May 31. To learn more about the campaign or to make a gift, go to smumn.edu/rooted-in-faith.
