When SUNY Geneseo launched its boldest philanthropic initiative in history—Opportunities Rising: Geneseo for Generations—the bar was set high: raise $45 million to transform the student experience and position Geneseo as a national model for public liberal arts education.
This summer, the College is proud to celebrate the successful completion of this comprehensive capital campaign—and the generosity of the thousands who made it possible.
“Establishing a $45 million goal seemed almost audacious at the time, as it more than doubled that of our most recent prior campaign and surpassed those of sister institutions, many of them far larger than Geneseo,” says President Denise A. Battles. “Our success with the Opportunities Rising campaign evidences the passion our alums and other well-wishers have for our college and its public honors college identity. I’m both thrilled and grateful to the many individuals who have demonstrated their commitment through their philanthropic generosity.”
A Campaign Fueled by Vision and Community
Publicly launched in October 2023, the Opportunities Rising campaign was designed to support three strategic pillars that reflect Geneseo’s distinctive role as New York State’s public honors college:
- Elevate Access—Expand scholarships, support remote learners and transfer students, and remove financial barriers to a Geneseo education.
- Create Experiences—Fund high-impact opportunities such as study abroad, undergraduate research, and co-curricular learning to prepare students for meaningful lives and careers.
- Demonstrate Impact—Invest in academic excellence, sustainability, and faculty-student collaboration to drive innovation and preserve strong communities.
From student scholarships to research opportunities to the newly renovated Milne Library, the campaign’s outcomes will shape the lives of students for generations to come.
“The accomplishment stands as a powerful testament to the dedication and generosity of supporters who believe in the power of education and the bright future of SUNY Geneseo,” says Robert Walley ’83, chair of the Geneseo Foundation Board.
A Community that Pays It Forward
The campaign inspired a groundswell of support across generations and constituencies—from alums and faculty to parents and friends of the College. One of those inspired voices is Kevin Gavagan ’75, who served as campaign chair.
“There’s a unique connection that is very common among people who spend four years on our campus,” says Gavagan. “It’s that special connection that no one can really define. So many people asked, ‘How can I best contribute?’ They wanted to pay it forward.”
That support wasn’t only financial. Faculty such as SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Harry Howe also contributed time, mentorship, and resources.
“There’s something refreshing and scrappy about the Geneseo ethos,” says Howe. “Students here are bright and hardworking. They form great friendships and value the soft, indirect lessons that an education and experience here provide. It’s a thrill to see graduates leave so well prepared for whatever comes their way.”
For students like Ryan Frangipani ’25, the campaign offered a powerful lesson in quiet generosity and deep belief.
“I realized all [the alumni] do in the background for students, and we often don’t think about that,” says Frangipani, a marketing major and 2023–24 Student Association president. “It’s a very selfless act to support students you don’t know—to help them build their careers and succeed. They have an inherent belief in us.”
Looking Ahead
While the campaign’s success marks a major milestone, it’s also just the beginning.
“We recognize that while reaching our goal is a significant accomplishment, it does not fully address the many needs of Geneseo or our vision to elevate New York’s public honors college to even greater heights,” says Carolyn Campbell, PhD, interim vice president for college advancement. “The journey continues—and with it, our unwavering commitment to engage and re-engage Geneseo’s alumni and friends in the months and years ahead.”
Opportunities Rising is not just a number. It’s a promise fulfilled—and a future built on access, excellence, and opportunity.