Nurturing the Potential of Tomorrow's Leaders
Syracuse University has launched an ambitious fundraising initiative called The Syracuse Promise, with the goal of raising $50 million in scholarship funding over the next three years. The initiative, which symbolizes the engagement and support of the Orange community, has already surpassed the halfway mark, having raised over $5.2 million in new funding.
One of the key drivers of this success is the inspiration it has provided to donors. Many, such as Robert '85 and Teresa Heitsenrether, have made enduring endowment-level gifts to support first-generation college students pursuing undergraduate degrees at any of Syracuse's schools and colleges. The Heitsenrethers established the Robert and Teresa Heitsenrether Endowed Scholarship Fund, while others, like the Bockskopfs, have created endowed scholarships that were previously thought to be beyond their reach.
Endowed gifts, such as these, provide 'forever funding' that grows over time and insulates both students and the University from external factors. This type of funding is crucial for the long-term success and security of the institution. Institutions with more endowment funding per student are positioned for greater success.
The University takes pride in meeting the demonstrated financial need of every incoming student, and in recent years, it has reduced the average student debt burden by more than 10%. Currently, 78% of Syracuse students receive some form of financial aid.
The Syracuse Promise aims to provide more meaningful scholarship packages and award scholarships to more students. Notable scholarships created as a result of this initiative include the Joseph T. Bockskopf '84 and Linda D. Bockskopf Endowed Scholarship, supporting SUSTAIN Scholars in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Spirit of Sankofa - Stephanie D. Jones L'03 Endowed Law Scholarship for students in the College of Law, with preference for residential students who are in leadership positions of student associations.
The School of Architecture has also benefited from this initiative, with Bernard Armstrong III '85 and Christopher Baylow '88 making gifts to expand the School of Architecture 150 Global Study Endowed Scholarship, which supports undergraduate students with preference to those studying abroad in Florence, Italy. The Lostrittos have also made an additional gift to their Lostritto Family Endowed Scholarship, which supports undergraduate students in the School of Architecture.
The combined gifts, with the match contribution, will provide $225,000 in additional funding for the already-endowed scholarships.
If you are interested in supporting The Syracuse Promise, you can contact Lavander at 315.443.9236 or [email protected] for more information. Jeannine Lostritto '90 and her husband, Glenn, were the first donors to support The Syracuse Promise initiative.
The Syracuse Promise scholarship fundraising initiative can be a significant step towards ensuring the long-term success and security of Syracuse University, while also providing valuable opportunities for students.
