Colgate University’s Campaign for the Third Century, now in its fifth year, stands at $852,136,407, and the significance of this historic effort can already be seen across campus. Fiscal year 2026 saw a number of highlights, thanks to the generosity of the Colgate community:
- In Bernstein Hall, the Clifford Family Innovator in Residence has hosted multiple residencies, including Bobby Carter, music producer and host of National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk Concerts, who was in residence in March 2026, visiting classes, leading discussions, and performing as DJ Cuzzin B.
- Along Broad Street, the Loj at Fox House opened to students this semester, replacing the traditional home for Outdoor Education students with a new residence made possible by the generosity of trustee emeritus Robert Fox ’59, GP’23,’25. Preparations are underway to renovate 76 Broad Street as the future Hurley House (thanks to the lead gift from Becky ’81 and Christopher Hurley ’81, P’12,’12), a home for students interested in promoting and exploring debate and discourse on campus.
- The University community marked the groundbreaking of the new Carey Center during Reunion 2026. The 97,250-square-foot athletics facility will serve as the new cornerstone of Colgate University’s Division I athletics program. The center includes the Errico Family Arena and Cronin Court, a 1,650-seat performance venue for basketball and volleyball. It also provides student-athletes with a single location for a number of important services, including training and academic support.
- An expanded Colgate Commitment is supported through the Colgate Fund and gifts to financial aid endowment. For eligible students, this comprehensive financial aid initiative eliminates tuition, significantly reduces student debt, and/or adjusts tuition based on total family income and assets.
- The University has also invested in attracting and retaining the best and brightest educators. The Third-Century Plan calls for the creation of 25 endowed faculty positions. Seventeen have been established to date, and faculty members are already using those resources to advance their teaching and research. Jeff Bary, holder of the new Sweet Family Chair and professor of physics and astronomy, has used endowment resources to pursue and share his interest in preserving dark skies.
Colgate raised $96,678,581 in new gifts and commitments during Fiscal Year 2026 alone, including $10.94 million for the Colgate Fund, exceeding its goal for annual support by $500,000.
“This success was a collective effort, the result of alumni, families, and friends making gifts of all sizes to the Colgate Fund,” Vice President for Advancement Kim Harris wrote in a message to the Colgate community. “Whether you gave $13 or $13,000, your contribution serves as a powerful statement of support for the future of the University and its students.”
Colgate athletics supporters gave $3,272,531 to varsity programs and the Colgate Athletics Fund, an increase of more than 11% over Fiscal Year 2025.
Gifts to the Colgate Fund support the University’s highest priorities set out in the Third-Century Plan, including the Colgate Commitment, faculty support, study abroad programs, summer internship and research opportunities, and campus enhancements. Funds raised for Colgate athletics help coaches recruit, train, and lead student-athletes to personal and competitive success while preserving the University’s NCAA Division I tradition.
Beyond gifts to the Colgate Fund and other Third-Century priorities, alumni also engaged with the University through events and volunteerism. Nearly 40% of Colgate graduates connected with their alma mater in some way during Fiscal Year 2026.
The generosity shown by alumni, parents, and friends last year and throughout the remaining days of the Campaign for the Third Century will continue to provide momentum for the recruitment and retention of new community members, the academic enterprise, student life, and stewarding the campus.
“In fact, philanthropic support will provide the foundation for Colgate’s success well into the Third Century,” says Harris. “The University’s Third-Century Plan is a long-term framework that lives up to its name and seeks to ensure Colgate’s greatness for generations to come. On behalf of the faculty, staff, and, most importantly, the students who benefit from your kindness every single day, I thank you.”