Lewis & Clark Reaches $155 Million Fundraising Campaign Goal One Year Early

Lewis & Clark is proud to announce that it has reached–and exceeded–its $155 million fundraising goal in the most ambitious campaign in its history. Leadership credits the strength of the L&C community of alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends for making this achievement possible. An on-campus reception is planned for October 19 to celebrate the community’s landmark achievement.

“We did it! I always knew we could,” said Robin Holmes-Sullivan, president of Lewis & Clark. “I am incredibly proud of the Lewis & Clark community who really rose to the challenge. Their support and belief in the institution’s mission and values is what put us over the top–and one year earlier than anticipated. Lewis & Clark is better positioned than ever to serve its students and to have a greater impact locally and globally.”

The public phase of the campaign kicked off in early 2021, with the goal to raise $155 million by May 31, 2024. The fundraising initiative targets strategic investments in three critical areas across the College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Education and Counseling and the School of Law: the people, the places, and the programs that enable L&C to fulfill its mission as one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading institutions of higher education. Lewis & Clark is pleased to announce it reached that goal, raising $155,224,873 as of July 31, 2023, nearly one year earlier than anticipated.

Every gift in the last six years has counted toward the campaign goal, including annual fund and estate gifts. Forty-three gifts of $1 million or more contributed to the total funds raised. Over 18,000 individual donors made more than 57,000 gifts toward the campaign goal.

“This is a historic achievement for Lewis & Clark and one that so many worked tirelessly to achieve,” said Josh Walter, vice president for Advancement. “I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of our supporters, and I’m especially pleased that so many of our alumni contributed. It’s a real sign of how meaningful their Lewis & Clark experience was and the vital role the institution played and continues to play in their lives.”

Support from the campaign has already yielded results, including a significant expansion of scholarships, the addition of endowed professorships, and a partnership with the Posse Foundation. The Posse Foundation recruits and supports students who show extraordinary leadership potential, providing mentorship and resources to prepare them for lifelong success. This year, L&C welcomed its third cohort of Posse scholars from Washington, D.C., and an inaugural cohort from the foundation’s newest recruiting location, Puerto Rico.

“I want to thank everyone who stepped up to support this historic campaign,” said Heidi Hu BS ’85, trustee and campaign cochair. “The funds raised are already enabling the college to expand access to a Lewis & Clark education and will continue to have a positive impact on students for years to come.”

In addition to supporting scholarships and academic initiatives, the campaign raised funds to enhance student-centered facilities, such as the renovation of the Stephanie J. Fowler Student Center, improvements to Corbett House on the graduate school campus, and updates to Huston Sports Complex.

“It’s been a privilege to co-lead this effort to support strategic investments in Lewis & Clark,” said Brent Hutchings BA ’84, trustee and campaign cochair. “Each contribution makes a difference, providing much-needed support for our students and ensuring a bright future for the institution.”

The campaign has also enabled investments in programs across all three schools.

“What a pleasure it’s been to be part of the campaign leadership and witness the positive impact that the institution has had and continues to have on so many individuals and the community at large,” said Patrick Mahaffy BA ’85, trustee and campaign cochair. “The campaign’s success confirms that this is a time of great promise and forward momentum for Lewis & Clark.”

Investments in programs include an expansion of offerings through the Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership and an endowed professorship. The new Robert D. and Marcia H. Randall Endowed Professor of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation is expected to be hired by fall 2024, following a competitive search process during the 2023–24 academic year. Support will also strengthen offerings in multidisciplinary programs, such as Health Studies and Data Science.

In addition, the law school created the new Center for Business Law and Innovation, which provides students with business law training along with practical opportunities and connections within the Oregon business community. The graduate school has been able to expand services offered through its Community Counseling Center, which provides high-quality, low-cost mental health services to the Portland community.

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