UMass Dartmouth raised $5.2 million as of the end of the third quarter, exceeding its $5 million goal for the year
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth announced today that it raised $5.2 million as of the end of the third quarter, exceeding its $5 million goal for the year.
"On behalf of our students, who are working so hard to learn and discover, I want to thank all of our donors for their generosity, which has far exceeded our expectations,'' said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Divina Grossman, who is completing her second year. "The gifts, some of which come from alumni whose lives were transformed by UMass Dartmouth, and others given by members of our community, are all powerful statements of trust in the abilities of our faculty and staff to help individuals and communities reach their potential. And the best news is, we're just getting started."
"I have only been here for a short time, but I have been truly inspired by the deep commitment that this community and our alumni feel toward UMass Dartmouth," said Vice Chancellor for Advancement Lee Williams, who joined the University last fall. "Many of the donors I have spoken to see themselves in our students and want to do what they can to create new learning, discovery and engagement opportunities."
The philanthropic highlight of the year was a $1.14 million gift from an anonymous donor to honor Reverend Dr. Robert P. Lawrence, pastor emeritus and previously senior minister of the First Congregational Church in Fall River since 1985 and an inspirational leader of the SouthCoast civic community for more than six decades. The gift will be invested in civic engagement-related programs.
The successful year of fundraising is wrapping up as the UMass Dartmouth campus prepares to unveil its strategic plan: UMassDTransform2020. The plan will map the next chapter of UMass Dartmouth's evolution.