{"id":170702,"date":"2016-07-07T14:52:15","date_gmt":"2016-07-07T18:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/?p=170702"},"modified":"2016-07-15T07:04:54","modified_gmt":"2016-07-15T11:04:54","slug":"meliora-challenge-campaign-exceeds-expectations-historic-1-37-billion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/meliora-challenge-campaign-exceeds-expectations-historic-1-37-billion\/","title":{"rendered":"Meliora Challenge<\/em> campaign exceeds expectations with historic $1.37 billion"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ concluded The Meliora Challenge<\/em> campaign on June 30, raising more than $1.368 billion, exceeding its initial $1.2 billion goal by more than $168 million. The preliminary numbers, released today, will be finalized once all gifts through the end of fiscal year 2016 are counted.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a historic moment for everyone who cares so deeply about this University and our future,\u201d said President and CEO Joel Seligman, the G. Robert Witmer, Jr. University Professor. \u201cThe Meliora Challenge<\/em> supports our vital mission to society by providing the resources needed to support our students, our faculty, groundbreaking research, teaching, innovative health care, and public service.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Meliora Challenge<\/em> exceeded our expectations and galvanized the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ family like never before,\u201d said Board of Trustees Chairman Danny Wegman. \u201cTogether, we are transforming lives in Rochester and throughout the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Meliora Challenge<\/em> was the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the University\u2019s history. Launched publicly in 2011, the Campaign exceeded the $1 billion mark in November 2013 and surpassed its initial goal of $1.2 billion in March 2015. Nearly every goal established for the Campaign has been achieved\u2014a testament to the commitment, loyalty, and generosity of more than 200,000 alumni, friends, faculty, staff, parents, and students around the world who donated to the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ during the time of the Campaign.<\/p>\n

University Trustee and Advancement Committee Chairman Larry Bloch praised the efforts of the Campaign\u2019s many donors and contributors as well as the faculty and administrative leaders who worked together to reach this historic milestone. \u201cOur success is emblematic of a large and\u00a0dedicated community of leaders and volunteers. Their passion and enthusiasm for the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is without bounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThroughout history, universities like ours have been key to societal progress and improving the human condition,\u201d said Senior Vice President for Advancement Thomas J. Farrell. \u201cThis moment marks the start of a new phase in the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½\u2019s evolution, one that will be driven by the remarkable philanthropy and ongoing engagement, advocacy, and giving that has become an integral part of the culture of this institution. I am especially grateful for the outstanding leadership provided by our Campaign co-chairs Cathy Minehan and Rich Handler, as well as the generosity of our other trustees, volunteers, and University leaders whose efforts inspired and engaged so many others.\u201d<\/p>\n

Financial highlights from The Meliora Challenge<\/em> include:<\/p>\n