TU’s RISE Campaign Launched—Largest in 155-year History
“A historic and ambitious campaign like this truly separates universities that are good from those that choose to be great. I firmly believe that the Towson University of today chooses the path toward greatness.”
– President Kim Schatzel
On Thursday, April 29, Towson University launched RISE, a historic $100 million comprehensive campaign. The virtual launch included more than 500 viewers who tuned in to the combined live and pre-taped event.
“RISE, the Campaign for Towson University” arrived as philanthropic giving is gaining momentum in the campus community. A series of large gifts have helped TU raise more than $14 million toward its annual goal of $14.5 million and TU’s 2021 Big Give resulted in a one-day record of 1,450 donors giving more than $140,000.
RISE is the natural next step.
“TU’s rise is fueled by a singular focus, one priority that has shaped this university for more than 150 years—put students first,” says TU President Kim Schatzel. “Everything we do is focused on empowering our students and graduates to thrive, achieve and lead. And this campaign is at the heart of that.”
Leading the RISE Campaign are honorary co-chairs John Schuerholz ’62, ’07 (Hon) and Karen Schuerholz, co-chairs Dr. Nancy Grasmick ’61, ’92 (Hon) and Fran Soistman ’79, ’15 (Hon) and a volunteer committee of alumni, faculty, students and friends of TU.
The campaign includes six priorities—students, faculty, academic programs, community, campus and annual giving and endowment. Within each priority area are broad-based giving opportunities identified by deans, vice presidents, faculty and staff across campus. The RISE campaign will further fuel TU’s momentum and provide the resources necessary to achieve a bold and ambitious institutional vision.
RISE comes at a time when TU has made significant commitments and investments to the campus, as well as in uptown Towson.
State funding for a 240,000-square-foot College of Health Professions building was recently approved. It is estimated to cost $175 million, representing a significant investment. That follows the early spring opening of the campus’ largest structure, the 320,000-square-foot Science Complex and exciting renovations to Glen Dining Hall unveiled in the fall of 2020.
New academic programs and construction projects are providing cutting-edge facilities and real-world learning opportunities in key areas, from student living and co-curricular experiences to STEM fields, health care and athletics.
“To date, we have raised more than $68 million toward our $100 million goal,” says Brian DeFilippis, vice president for university advancement. “The upward momentum of our university is reinforced in the theme of this campaign—RISE.”
Schatzel says the campaign comes at a time that aligns perfectly with the university’s next major objective: the realization of TU’s visionary strategic plan.
“It is quite fitting that our work on both fronts begins together,” she says.
