FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The University of Saint Francis received a $1.5 million planned gift from a donor whose generosity will create lasting opportunities for students through endowed scholarships, student travel and resources that support student success in and out of the classroom.
Through this gift, the donor—who wishes to remain anonymous—is establishing a living legacy that will continue to benefit generations of Saint Francis students. Because the funds will be endowed, the gift will provide ongoing support into the future, helping students pursue educational opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach.
“This extraordinary gift is a beautiful expression of what it means to live our Catholic, Franciscan mission, and we are so grateful for this generosity,” Saint Francis President Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF, said. “This friend of Saint Francis understands that an education is about more than what happens in a classroom. It is about forming the whole person, encouraging a life of virtue, service and joy, and preparing students to use their gifts for the good of others.”
The endowed scholarships will help make a Saint Francis education more accessible to deserving students. Support for student travel will provide opportunities for students to expand their understanding of the world, engage with new communities and cultures and grow through experiences beyond campus. Additional endowed support for student success will help students thrive academically, personally, and professionally throughout their university experience.
As a faithful Catholic and Saint Francis graduate, the donor sees philanthropy as an opportunity to put faith into action and extend the university’s mission to those who will follow.
“I believe strongly in the mission of the University of Saint Francis and in the difference this university makes in the lives of its students,” the donor said. “I hope this gift will give students opportunities to learn, grow, serve others and discover their own calling. I am grateful for the education I received at Saint Francis, and I am honored to help ensure that its mission continues for generations to come.”
“An endowed gift is a gift that keeps giving,” Vice President for Institutional Advancement Reba Copeland said. “We are deeply grateful for the example this gift provides. It reminds us that one person’s faith, gratitude and commitment to serving others can have an impact that extends far beyond a single lifetime.”
The University of Saint Francis is grateful for this extraordinary expression of confidence in its mission and in the students it serves.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at Saint Francis offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Business and Leadership; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, Saint Francis has 17 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 2,100 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.