The University of Scranton has exceeded the $135 million goal of its capital campaign, “A Fire That Kindles Other Fires: The Campaign To Support Mission, Access, & Excellence,” by a wide margin, raising $155.7 million for University causes.
“Tonight, we mark the culmination of a journey that reflects the very soul of The University of Scranton and the spirit of Ignatian generosity that has always defined our community,” said Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, at a dinner reception on campus celebrating the campaign’s success May 8.
“When we launched this campaign, we chose a title rooted in the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius once wrote, ‘Go forth and set the world on fire.’ This campaign invited each of us to kindle a fire, not just of financial support, but of imagination, of mission and of transformation. And you answered that call with extraordinary generosity.”
The campaign’s goal was publicly announced at a black-tie gala on campus in September 2023. Since then, the outpouring of support has been astonishing as 22,120 alumni, parents and friends of the University have chosen to give to their favorite Scranton causes.
"One hundred fifty-five million. That’s $155 million invested in students, the programs and the mission that define Scranton,” said John D. Dionne ’86, H’10, P’22, ’28, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and co-chair of the campaign. "That’s $155 million dedicated to the belief that a Jesuit education can and does transform lives.”
“From the beginning, ‘A Fire That Kindles Other Fires’ was more than a fundraising effort,” said Jacquelyn Dionne, R.N. ’89, H’25, P’22,’28, co-vice chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and the campaign’s co-chair. “It was a call to action, a call rooted in the words of St. Ignatius Loyola, who reminds us that love ought to show itself more in deeds than in words. And your deeds, our Scranton community’s collective deeds, have been nothing short of extraordinary.”
“Thanks to you, Scranton’s fire burns brighter than ever.”
- Jacquelyn Dionne, R.N. ’89, H’25, P’22,’28
Funds raised through the campaign support University causes organized under three broadly defined pillars: advancing the mission, increasing access and affordability, and achieving excellence, all of which contribute to the life-changing opportunities Scranton offers to its students.
“I’m a student who has been completely transformed by this University,” said Mariah Mancuso ’26, a journalism and electronic media and public relations double major. “The University of Scranton is so much more than a college ... it’s a place where students become the greatest version of themselves.
“Each day, I thank God for leading me to Scranton. I am who I am because of this place, because of the friends who walk beside me, the professors who believe in me and the community who surrounds me with love and purpose. Scranton is not just the place we live, it’s a fire we carry with us wherever we go.”
The campaign, which concluded May 31, raised more money than any campaign in the history of the University, and it will continue to support future Royals for decades to come.
“In an age where higher education is often seen as transactional, we at Scranton remain committed to transformation,” said Father Marina. “The fires you have helped to light are only the beginning.
“To our future students, some of whom have not yet heard of The University of Scranton, know this: we are ready to welcome you. Our doors are open, and the light inside is burning brightly.”
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Campaign Timeline
The following is a list of significant dates in the life of “A Fire That Kindles Other Fires: The Campaign To Advance Mission, Access, and Excellence.”
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