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Colgate Women to Pursue $200 Million Fundraising Goal

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By Rebecca Taurisano October 9, 2024

During Colgate’s homecoming weekend, the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) gathered at the Hall of Presidents for their Homecoming Leadership Luncheon. At the luncheon, Liz Buchbinder ʼ77, WLC chair, announced an ambitious goal for the women of Colgate to donate a combined total of $200 million to the Campaign for the Third Century by June 2029 — the 25th anniversary of the WLC. 

Colgate women have already given $108 million since the public launch of the Campaign for the Third Century in 2022. As a comparison, the WLC raised $15 million in the last campaign, Passion for the Climb. All Colgate women — alumnae and students — are invited to join the challenge in reaching this $200 million goal, through gifts at all levels. 

“We are pioneers," said Buchbinder. "Through our philanthropy, we are going to stand at the forefront of this transformational moment for Colgate.”

Liz Buchbinder ʼ77, WLC Chair announces goal for Colgate Women to raise $200M by June 2029
Mandy DiMarzo ʼ02 speaks with President Brian W. Casey at the WLC Homecoming Leadership Lunch
President Brian W. Casey welcomes WLC attendees and outlines key campaign initiatives
Averill McCorkle ʼ25, Colgate women’s hockey player, and NCAA Elite 90 Award winner, introduces the keynote speaker
Keynote speaker Mandy DiMarzo ʼ02, former Colgate women's soccer player, founder of BURN by Mandy, and TEDx speaker addresses the WLC

President Brian W. Casey welcomed WLC members and guests to the event and set the stage. “We are an institution thinking about where it is going, and you are part of shaping that vision,” Casey said.

Casey outlined three key Third-Century initiatives in Colgate’s goal to become the leading residential liberal arts college in the nation. These initiatives include the creation of a cohesive residential environment for students with the reenvisioning of Lower Campus; an expansion of the Colgate Commitment, ensuring a Colgate education is accessible and affordable; and a deepening of the academic enterprise, providing faculty with the necessary resources for excellence in research and teaching.

Averill McCorkle ʼ25, senior class gift committee, women’s hockey player, and NCAA Elite 90 Award winner, introduced the keynote speaker, Mandy DiMarzo ʼ02, while thinking back on her own time at Colgate.

“I'm so grateful for the incredible experiences that I have had during my time here at Colgate, both on and off the ice, many of which are due to the generosity and support of alumni,” said McCorkle. 

DiMarzo, a former Colgate women’s soccer player, is a triathlete and competitive long-distance runner, qualifying for the 70.3 World Championship during her second triathlon. She is the founder of BURN by Mandy, a high-intensity interval training exercise program, and she is a TEDx speaker, sharing insights from her wellness journey.

During her remarks, DiMarzo told stories of leadership and strength, using lessons gained during her time as a Colgate student. “Colgate invested in me, and for that, I’m forever grateful,” said DiMarzo. “My advice is to invest in the people and places that invest in you.”

The WLC makes such an investment possible. Founded in 2004, the group inspires philanthropy and builds community among Colgate alumni seeking to make an impact on Colgate students, and celebrates gifts of all sizes.

“We are very proud of the impact the WLC has made at Colgate over the last two decades,” said Buchbinder. “The philanthropy of Colgate women is essential to making Third-Century initiatives a reality.”

 

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