In the final weeks of 2023, more than 4,000 alumni, parents, and friends came together in support of Colgate students during the Colgate Fund Challenge.
From December 13 through December 31, the Colgate community contributed more than $4.5 million in gifts to the Colgate Fund, which supports the Colgate Commitment and other campus resources that advance the University’s Third-Century Plan. The successful challenge also contributed to a record-setting $5.61 million in Colgate Fund support for the Campaign for the Third Century received in the first half of the fiscal year.
“The Colgate Commitment is one of the most important programs this University has ever pursued. It changes lives,” says President Brian Casey. “Gifts from alumni, parents, and friends are helping expand the Colgate Commitment and make a Colgate education more accessible and affordable.”
The following group of challengers matched each gift, dollar for dollar, for a challenge total of $1.67 million:
Scott A. Barshay ’88 and Melissa Barshay ’88
Daniel C. Benton ’80, H’10, P’10
Jeanine Rossi Borthwick ’90
Gretchen H. Burke ’81, P’11,’20 and Stephen B. Burke ’80, H’04, P’11,’20
Forrest G. Burke ’84 and Renee M. Burke P’22
President Brian W. Casey
Paul Carberry ’94
Christine J. Chao ’86 and Jos Shaver ’86
J. Christopher Clifford ’67, H’11 and Keena Clifford P’93
Eric A. Cole ’93 and Ashley Cole P’24,’26
John K. Colgate Jr. ’57 and Diana Colgate P’88, GP’19
David A. Craver ’85
Norah and John S. Daly P’26
Julian W. Farrior ’93 and Jennifer Heltzel Farrior ’95
Edward J. Foley IV ’94 and Carolyn Foley P’26
Chris and John Grassi P’24
Daniel D. Harding ’74 and Pamela Harding ’75
Chris Hurley ’81, Becky Bair Hurley ’81, Matt Hurley ’12, and Dan Hurley ’12
Judith Little GP’21
Jack McGrory ’71
Chi McClean ’63
Garret F. Meyer Jr. ’55
Tyler G. Reeder ’96 and Sara E. Reeder ’96
Mark E. Sommer ’82, P’13 and Dr. Julie Jolin
Robert P. Straetz Jr. ’69
Bill Winters ’83
Noah M. Wintroub ’98
One anonymous donor
Mike Petersen ’77 issued a special challenge to recent and soon-to-be alumni from the classes of 2013 to 2024 — their collective generosity unlocked an additional $1 million in support of financial aid. Alumni volunteers were instrumental in helping to build awareness of the challenge. Nearly 600 alumni bolstered the efforts by sharing news of the challenge and encouraging their peers to participate.
“The success of the Colgate Fund Challenge is a testament to the incredible power and generosity of the Colgate community,” says Karl Clauss ’90, vice president for advancement. “Our students, faculty, and staff will benefit directly from their engagement and support throughout 2024 and beyond. We are deeply grateful.”
