Campaign launch helps TU mark record year of philanthropy

September 13, 2021

Riding the energy from the launch of the landmark “RISE, the campaign for Towson University,” earlier this year, TU raised nearly $18 million during Fiscal Year ’21, an astounding 124 percent of the University’s goal, and $3.9 million more than the previous record-setting year. 

“Through June 2021, we have raised more than $71 million toward our $100 million RISE campaign goal,” says Brian DeFilippis, vice president for university advancement. “The upward momentum of our university is supported directly by our community and reinforced in the theme of this campaign—RISE. I’m so very grateful for the generosity and vision of each of our donors.”

This is the fourth straight year that Towson University has seen more than $10 million in giving.

RISE, a historic $100 million comprehensive campaign, launched publicly in late April, following a series of landmark gifts. 

The campaign features six priorities—student success, faculty excellence, academic innovation, community partnerships, building a world-class campus and sustaining opportunities through annual giving and endowment. Within each priority area are broad-based giving opportunities identified by deans, vice presidents, faculty and staff. The RISE campaign will further fuel TU’s continued progress and provide the resources necessary to achieve a bold and ambitious institutional vision, detailed in the university’s 2020-30 Strategic Plan.

“The increase in year-over-year fundraising is indicative of our momentum — and it’s only growing stronger,” said President Kim Schatzel. “Through philanthropy, and specifically through RISE, the campaign for TU, we are tapping into our community’s pride in Towson University. The gifts from our supporters are absolutely enhancing TU’s capacity to make world-changing impact.”

Giving has become part of the culture of TU and its alumni. About 3,800 True Tiger Society members made contributions throughout the year, and  TU’s 2021 Big Give resulted in a one-day record of 1,450 donors and more than $140,000.

The TU community is already seeing the results of their giving. New academic programs and construction projects are providing cutting-edge facilities and real-world learning opportunities in key areas, from student living and co-curricular experiences to STEM fields, and athletics. And in healthcare, TU’s position as the largest producer of health care graduates and providers in Maryland will be further bolstered by the State’s funding for a 240,000-square-foot College of Health Professions (CHP) building, approved earlier this year. The high-tech, high-touch educational center is estimated to cost $175 million, representing a significant investment for TU in its students and in health care for the state. 

The CHP building follows the early spring opening of the campus’ largest structure, the 320,000-square-foot Science Complex.