Bloomsburg University Foundation announces record-breaking fundraising year with $26 million in new gifts and pledges

With overwhelming support from alumni, friends, and key stakeholders, the Bloomsburg University Foundation (BUF) is thrilled to announce its most successful fundraising year ever, securing an astounding $26 million in new donor-designated gifts and pledges to empower Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg (CU-Bloomsburg) students.

This landmark year was driven by significant contributions from dedicated donors, showcasing the collective effort and commitment to making a difference. Highlighted by substantial gifts that facilitated the naming of a new School of Nursing and Honors College, supporting two major university priorities, which will help increase recruitment efforts throughout the tri-state area and beyond. In total, more than 3,000 individual donors made gifts to expand student opportunities.

Out of the total $26 million raised, nearly half came from future estate gifts, ensuring the long-term strength of the university. Remarkably, 79% of gifts received this year came from donors who gave less than $100, and 90% gave under $500, highlighting how every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference for our students, faculty, and the entire CU-Bloomsburg community.

"This record-breaking year is a shining example of how our Bloomsburg community rallies together," said CU President Bashar W. Hanna. "This past year, collectively, our students faced an average unmet need of $8,200 per year. I am continually humbled by the generosity of our donors, which directly translates into opportunities that pave the way for our students’ success, at a time when that support is crucial."

In all, the foundation received four gifts of a million dollars or more. Eleven additional donors contributed gifts in the six-figure range, and an inspiring total of 42 donors provided major gift commitments of $25,000 or more, showcasing the substantial support for the Foundation and University’s combined mission.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our donors," said Bloomsburg University Foundation Executive Director Jerome Dvorak. "It's clear that our success truly starts with the kindness and commitment of our donors. Their investments in the future of our students and this institution are the driving force behind our progress and achievements, and inspire us to keep pushing forward to meet the ever-growing needs of our students." 

The funds raised will support a variety of initiatives, including:

• Capital Projects: The Breiner School of Nursing, Eileen G. Jones Honors College, new Athletic Buses from Steph Pettit, a new Nursing Simulation Center, and the Sharon Gettel Student-Athlete Lounge.
• Scholarships: Donors created 12 new scholarships totaling $694,000 in immediate-use funds to open doors for more deserving students.
• Future Gifts: $12,230,000 in estate gifts to ensure future stability.
• Student Impact Programs: Enhanced resources for student research, experiential learning opportunities, and emergency support.

"Our heartfelt thanks go to our Foundation for making this year a record-breaking success,” said Erik Evans, CU Vice President for Advancement. “The unwavering support from our donors has been pivotal, especially as we embrace the challenging and evolving higher education landscape. Their generosity fuels the achievements of our students and inspires future philanthropic contributions from Bloomsburg alumni and friends.” 

Increased alumni engagement has also played an instrumental role in this successful year. "Our alumni and friends provide not only financial support but also actively volunteer in support of our students by providing student mentoring and career engagement opportunities that often lead to internships, jobs, and confident Huskies," noted CU Assistant Vice President for Alumni and Professional Engagement Lynda Michaels. "The Bloomsburg alumni network, often referred to as our human endowment of volunteers, never hesitate to support our students!"

Students like first-generation college student and Nursing major, Diohana Fermin from Freeland, Pennsylvania, feel the impact firsthand. "The support I received has been life-changing," said Fermin. "At the beginning of the semester, I was in a situation where I didn’t have enough money to purchase the textbooks I needed and I was going to miss assignments and fall behind right away. But when I told my professors, they helped me get the support I needed thanks to generous donors who give to emergency funds."

"While we are enormously appreciative of the contributions received, this incredible support marks just the beginning in fulfilling our students' needs for scholarships, experiential learning, and emergency support,” Hanna added. “Each gift we receive from our alumni and friends, no matter the size, plays a vital role in ensuring every student's success, now and in the future.”