Allegheny College Achieves Unprecedented Fundraising Success with $91 Million Raised

Allegheny College: A Record-Breaking Fundraising Year

Allegheny College has announced a significant milestone, achieving an outstanding $91 million in fundraising in just one year. This success marks a crucial step in their ambitious campaign, "In for Allegheny: Our Pathway Forward," which aims to enhance the college's academic excellence and community engagement. With commitments exceeding $168.5 million since the campaign's inception, the college is now two-thirds of the way to its overall goal of $250 million, well ahead of the target completion date in June 2027.

President Ron Cole expressed gratitude towards the college's alumni and supporters, stating that their contributions empower Allegheny College to invest in its future—fostering academic excellence and vibrant campus life. Under his leadership, fundraising efforts have not only excelled but have also set a new record for donor support, surpassing typical fundraising figures for liberal arts colleges across the nation.

The campaign is not solely focused on raising funds; it also aims to elevate Allegheny College’s profile among prospective students. Alumni are encouraged to act as ambassadors by referring potential students who exhibit traits that align with the college's ethos. Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in student referrals, with alumni, parents, and friends contributing nearly 20 percent to the incoming Class of 2029. These students benefit from additional financial support through the campaign’s Referral Scholarship program, which offers $4,000 over four years for those applying early.

In a joint effort to boost career prospects for current students, alumni engagement has seen a remarkable resurgence. By collaborating with the Center for Career and Professional Development, twice as many alumni volunteers participated as speakers, recruiters, and mentors this year compared to the previous year. Their involvement has been integral, with over 1,100 alumni dedicating their time to inspire students with valuable career insights.

Success stories abound, particularly for the Class of 2024, with an impressive 98 percent of graduates finding employment or enrolling in further studies shortly after graduation. As Vice President for Institutional Advancement Matthew Stinson notes, the alumni's commitment stems from their faith in President Cole's strategic leadership and the college's values.

In recognition of these efforts, Allegheny College has been ranked fifth on The Princeton Review's 2025 Top 20 Best Private Schools for Making an Impact. This accolade underscores the institution's commitment to community service, sustainability practices, and student engagement initiatives, all propelled by philanthropic support.

Founded in 1815, Allegheny College holds a distinct place in the educational landscape, being one of the oldest and most innovative liberal arts institutions in the country. The college promotes a distinctive curriculum, requiring students to undertake majors and minors in different fields, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to education.

Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, Allegheny is strategically positioned between Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo, making it accessible while maintaining a serene academic environment. It has recently been recognized as one of the top 100 national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report, further solidifying its reputation for academic prowess and commitment to student success.

In summary, Allegheny College's record-breaking fundraising efforts signal a bright future for the institution, as it diligently works towards reshaping the educational experiences for its current and future students. By engaging its alumni and harnessing their support, the college is poised not only to meet its ambitious campaign goals but to further its mission of nurturing creative, independent thinkers prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.