President Denise A. Battles announced the public launch of SUNY Geneseo's largest-ever fundraising campaign, Opportunities Rising: Geneseo for Generations at the Kodak Theater in Rochester. With a goal of 45 million dollars, the campaign will support the college's strategic plan by elevating access, creating experiences, and demonstrating impact.
Opportunities Rising is the second campaign in the college's 152-year history and its most ambitious. Geneseo has been working over the past several years to build momentum leading to the public launch, securing nearly 33 million dollars, 73% of the total goal.
"This campaign reflects our collective goal to ensure Geneseo's legacy thrives for decades to come," said President Battles. "The primary focus is to secure funds for additional scholarships, to enhance hands-on learning experiences for students exploring career opportunities, and to connect our students with our talented alumni network as they prepare for life after Geneseo."
Battles emphasized that critical thinkers and adept problem-solvers are needed now more than ever in a rapidly changing world.
"Time and again, our graduates show the monumental difference a single individual can make if given the opportunity," said Battles. "We are here tonight to do just that. To open doors and bridge a gap for students so they can realize a rewarding life."
With higher education enrollment slumping nationwide and the competition for college-ready students intensifying, Opportunities Rising will ensure that Geneseo can continue to uphold the foundational principles of public higher education: accessibility, affordability, and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that prepares students to be informed and engaged citizens contributing to the betterment of society.
The three pillars of the campaign will focus on:
Elevating Access: Removing the financial and institutional barriers to a Geneseo education by increasing scholarships, supporting remote learning, and investing in transfer students.
Create Experiences: Giving students the resources to seek out the unknown and preparing them for rewarding careers through opportunities unlike any other.
Demonstrating Impact: Working toward innovations that impact the world and create solutions that preserve and sustain our communities through student and faculty research, academic excellence, and a newly renovated Milne Library.
"Geneseo is at a crossroads. The landscape of higher education in the United States is changing, and the value proposition of a college education is being challenged," said Ellen Leverich, vice president for college advancement. "With your support, we're meeting these challenges by leaning into the unique Geneseo experience and our values as a public liberal arts college."
For more information and to stay up-to-date, visit Opportunities Rising: Geneseo for Generations.