'Educating Champions' Nears Finish Line

05/21/2013 

With the June 30 finish line in sight, the College’s “Educating Champions, the Campaign for Cortland” fundraising effort is closing in on its ambitious $25 million goal.

As of mid-May, approximately $24,676,000 has been raised, of which more than $1,275,000 comes from faculty and staff members and emeriti employees.

Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kimberly Pietro expressed confidence in reaching the campaign’s overall goal with a strong final month’s push. Faculty and staff support, which peaked during the 2010-11 fiscal year due to a matching gift incentive, will be crucial, she said.

“The importance of building a culture of philanthropy at the College, rooted in partnerships between departments, schools and offices across campus, can’t be overstated,” Pietro said. “When a culture of philanthropy becomes woven into an institution’s fabric, everyone — students, employees, alumni — are better off for it.”

SUNY Cortland faculty and staff members can contribute to the “Educating Champions” campaign in several ways, including:

• a recurring payroll deduction

• a one-time online gift

• a check made payable to Cortland College Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2000, Cortland, NY, 13045

“Educating Champions” aims to improve campus life for every SUNY Cortland student and elevate the College’s national profile. The campaign will fuel initiatives related to academic excellence, transformational education experiences, wellness, the intelligent use of resources and accessibility through scholarships.

The Raquette Lake Endowment and Program Fund, the Undergraduate Research Program Fund and the Performing Arts Enrichment Fund represent just a small sampling of possible areas to contribute.

To date, more than 400 faculty, staff and emeriti members have joined the “Educating Champions” effort.

For more information, visit the “Educating Champions” website or call the Cortland College Foundation at 607-753-2518.