To say Monmouth College had a successful “Light This Candle” fundraising campaign would be putting it lightly.
The liberal arts college completed a record-setting fundraising campaign that began in March of 2019, wrapping up on December 31st last year, and broke past its goal of raising $75 million.
By the end of it all, the school raised $80,138,129.78 to expand scholarships and student financial aid and support for academic programs, making it the most successful campaign in the school’s 170-year history.
The Light This Candle Campaign included four objectives: increasing scholarships and student financial aid; creating more opportunities for faculty and staff support and academic innovation; enhancing the College’s living-learning environment by increasing funds for facilities; and building a strong culture of philanthropy through a larger annual fund and deferred gift register.
Monmouth President Clarence R. Wyatt said the record-setting Campaign was made possible thanks to the hard work and outstanding leadership of many people.
“On behalf of the students and the families this Campaign will support, I am profoundly grateful to all of the donors to the Campaign and to all the people of Monmouth College who inspired their generosity,” said Wyatt. “I particularly want to thank Campaign Chair Bill Goldsborough, Board of Trustees Chair Mark Kopinski, the entire Board, and Vice President for Development and College Relations Hannah Maher and her staff for their leadership, energy, and hard work.”
Examples of the Campaign’s successes include adding more than $11 million to more than 120 student scholarships, awards, travel funds, and internships; more than $5 million for faculty support and academic innovation; and more than $14 million to enhance the College’s living-learning environment.
Funds were given to establish or expand endowments in theatre, global engagement, Classics Day, the Rural Teacher Initiative, an annual lecture in agriculture, and a program to develop junior faculty. New academic programs were started in data science, engineering, health science and human movement, and neuroscience.
The College also renovated one of its iconic residence halls, restored a historic pipe organ, resurfaced its tennis courts, and added a stunning amphitheater, labyrinth, and terrace to the central campus.
The College’s culture of philanthropy expanded by more than $28 million, which included support for the Monmouth Fund, Fighting Scots Society, and the Champion Miller Fund for Student Equity, Inclusion & Community.
The College also doubled the total amount of its deferred commitments by adding more than $21 million to its gift registry.
President Wyatt said the Campaign’s true success will be realized “over the coming years” by the graduates the College will send into the world to make a difference.
