MEADVILLE, Pa. – July 20, 2006 – Allegheny College has completed the largest fund-raising campaign in its 191-year history, raising $115,245,902 in gifts and pledges. Launched publicly in October 2002, the Tradition & Transformation: Making a Difference campaign surpassed its goal by more than $10.2 million.

“We knew when we began the campaign that $105 million was an ambitious goal but one that was necessary to keep Allegheny College vibrant in a competitive environment,” said Tom St. Clair, a 1957 Allegheny graduate. “That we exceeded the goal is a testament to the generosity of Allegheny's supporters and their loyalty to the college.” St. Clair served as campaign co-chair along with David Hoag, a 1960 Allegheny graduate and college trustee. Hoag died in August 2004.

Members of Allegheny's board of trustees contributed $53,638,334 to the campaign. “Our trustees gave selflessly of both their time and their resources,” said Allegheny president Richard Cook. “Their early and ongoing support was inspirational and provided the foundation for our success.” More than 25,000 donors – including alumni, parents, friends, corporations and foundations – gave to the campaign. The campaign received support from 59 percent of Allegheny's graduates.

Gifts supported extensive renovations to the Henderson Campus Center, funded by several Allegheny trustees; the opening of the Tippie Alumni Center in a completely restored Cochran Hall, funded by former trustee Patricia Bush Tippie, Allegheny class of 1956, and her husband, Henry B. Tippie; and the modernization of the track and field at Robertson Athletic Complex, funded by former trustee Frank Fuhrer, class of 1948, and several other alumni and friends. Donors also established new financial aid funds and supported academic programs and technology enhanced learning spaces across campus.

Fund-raising continues for the planned Vukovich Center for Communication Arts. The facility will be named in honor of trustee Robert Vukovich, Allegheny class of 1965, and his wife, Laura DiMichele-Vukovich, who in February 2001 gave $22.2 million — the largest gift in the college's history. A portion of their gift, along with funding from other alumni and friends and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, will support construction of the facility.

Two college trustees also made million-dollar challenge gifts to encourage others to give to the campaign.

Trustee Dag Skattum, Allegheny class of 1984, and his wife, Julie Grosjean Skattum, class of 1985, gave $1 million to match contributions to Allegheny's Annual Fund. The Annual Fund has set a new record in each of the past 10 years, growing from $1.9 million in 1995-96 to $3.216 million this year.

Trustee Herb Myers, Allegheny class of 1961, gave $1 million to match new endowment gifts of $25,000 to $100,000 designated for faculty support and student learning. In response to the Myers Challenge, alumni and friends have established funds for faculty-student collaborative research, internships, service learning opportunities, and programs for students with disabilities.

“We are so grateful to all who contributed to the Tradition & Transformation campaign,” said St. Clair. “Their gifts have transformed Allegheny's campus and are truly making a difference in the lives of our faculty and students.”