University of Saint Joseph Campaign Surpasses Goal

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (October 23, 2020) – The University of Saint Joseph officially announced on October 21 that its “Vision & Values Campaign” raised $43.7 million—115% of its $38 million goal.

“Our vision is clear, and our values are steadfast,” stated President Rhona Free. “Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our donors, we have strengthened our ability to provide a rigorous liberal arts and professional education for our students.”

Through the Vision & Values Campaign, scholarship funds have increased, ensuring that more students will have access to the full USJ experience. Campus expansions and renovations have included modernization of the Student Center, state-of-the-art facilities for the Physician Assistant Studies Program, an artificial turf field, the Elizabeth Ferry Speer Tennis Complex, and ongoing expansion of the athletic center to include the Beekley Center for Student Health and Wellness. These changes create a more vibrant campus culture and provide valuable learning experiences.

The Campaign has also allowed for the investment of $9.8 million to support faculty, including the Teaching and Learning Center—which helps faculty explore new learning options—as well as professional development, research grants, and educational technology. An additional $5.7 million in new bequests will build the University’s endowment to further support faculty and students.

Campaign funds were used to build The Center for Applied Research and Education, a 22,000-square-foot addition to the Gengras Center, the campus special education school. This state-of-the-art facility includes a gym, music and art rooms, a vocational center, and classrooms specifically designed for students on the autism spectrum. Additionally, the University was able to fund other projects for the Gengras Center’s students, including the creation of an apartment designed to teach independent living skills to high school and transitional students, renovations to the Gengras Center and its recreation areas, and two 10-passenger/2-wheelchair vans for improved student travel.

“We thank the more than 6,000 individuals and organizations who have supported this Campaign—the most successful in our history—to make USJ the very best version of itself,” added Maggie Pinney ’95, Vice President for Institutional Advancement

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The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) offers a wide range of coeducational undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs that combine a professional and liberal arts education with opportunities for mentored research, community service, clinical field work, and internships. Programs are taught on the University’s two campuses in West Hartford and Hartford, Connecticut; at off-campus locations throughout the state; and online. Founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Mercy, the University of Saint Joseph offers degrees with value and values. To learn more, view our website at www.usj.edu.