University of Detroit Mercy Reaches $100M Capital Campaign Ahead of Schedule, Fundraising Continues

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The University of Detroit Mercy has reached its $100-million campaign goal with a year left to go. // Photograph Courtesy of the University of Detroit Mercy

The University of Detroit Mercy has reached its $100-million campaign goal a year ahead of schedule, college officials announced Thursday.

“The success of the campaign is due to the generosity of our alumni and friends as well as their dedication to educating the next generation of our graduates in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions,” says Antoine M. Garibaldi, president of U of D Mercy. “Because of the momentum and enthusiasm that has already been generated, we will be able to accomplish all of the major goals by Dec. 31.”

The campaign will continue through Dec. 31, 2019.

Progress includes $40.3 million toward the $25-million goal for academic programming and faculty support as well as $14.3 million toward the $10-million goal for unrestricted support.

About 77 percent of all gifts have come from alumni and friends, and more than 27 gifts of $1 million or more have been received, including six gifts of $2 million or more from alumni.

The university’s endowment has more than doubled since June 2011, with $28 million of the gifts designated for it.

The school is still raising funds for an expanded student union that will include more rooms for student organizations, academics, university ministry, and a central location for admissions, student financial aid, student accounting, the registrar, and other student-centered services.

Renovations to the College of Engineering and Science also are a high priority, as is an upgrade to the communication studies area and the establishment of an athletic village.