Colgate University’s Campaign for the Third Century closed the 2024–25 fiscal year with strong momentum, adding $143 million in new gifts and commitments and bringing the campaign total to $745 million in support of the University’s priorities.
The campaign’s impact touches every corner of campus. Annual support for the Colgate Fund reached $10.2 million, and $2.9 million was raised in total across the University’s Division I varsity teams and Colgate Athletic Fund — reaching record-breaking levels and providing immediate benefits to students in the classroom and in competition.
These new gifts advanced the University’s strategic priorities: increasing financial aid through the Colgate Commitment, enhancing the student and residential experience, and strengthening the academic enterprise.
This year saw major commitments totaling more than $115 million for West Campus construction and renovation projects announced during Reunion 2025. These commitments included a $60 million gift from Peter Kellner ’65, P’87, GP’16,’19 — the largest single gift in Colgate’s history; a $25 million gift from Jean-Pierre L. Conte ’85; and gifts of $10 million from Becky Hurley ’81 and Christopher Hurley ’81, P’12,’12; Robert Fox ’59, GP’23,’25; and Stephen Sprague ’72. The campaign has also resulted in 16 new endowed faculty chairs to date, further strengthening the University’s academic program.
Alongside these results were signature engagement events such as the Presidential Speaker Series; Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend; the Kerschner Family Series Global Leaders at Colgate; and three Colgate Days, which brought alumni together at more than 70 events worldwide.
“Our work is about more than fundraising totals — it’s about building a shared vision for Colgate’s future,” said Vice President for Advancement Kim Harris. “The generosity we have seen this year reflects the deep connection our alumni and parents feel to this University, and their belief in what we can accomplish together.”
Thanks to the generosity of Colgate alumni, family, and friends, the University has raised $100 million or more in new gifts and commitments each year for the past three consecutive years — a key benchmark for campaign success.