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Roadmap to Success

At its launch, Fisher Forward set an initial fundraising goal of $75 million, with a target completion date of May 2023 corresponding with the institution’s 75th anniversary. Driven by tremendous community support at significant milestones, the campaign far exceeded expectations.

Campaign Milestones

  • Campaign Launch

    University President Rooney is seen shaking hands with another official during his Inauguration Ceremony.

    July 1, 2015

    The leadership phase of the campaign launched on July 1, 2015, marking the first day of Dr. Rooney’s presidency; the first year secured $9.8 million in fundraising commitments.

    FY17

    Board of Trustees Institutional Advancement Committee broadened campaign planning; launch of the Spire Society leadership annual giving society.

    FY18

    Partnership with Marts & Lundy for internal assessment, capacity analysis, case for support, and external feasibility study.

    President Rooney is seen holding a sign while he announces the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing.

    FY19

    Major gifts from Tom Golisano ($5 million) and the Golisano Foundation ($800 thousand) supporting the establishment of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing (GIDDN).

    Members of the Fisher community stand together for the launch of the Fisher Forward campaign.

    September 19, 2019

    The public campaign phase launched on September 19, 2019, marking the anniversary of the first day of classes in 1951.

    A group of Fisher community members seated during a presentation at the DePeters Family Center.

    FY20

    Fisher received a Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) grant for $2.5 million. The Jack ’73 and Donna DePeters Family Center for Innovation and Teaching Excellence was established through a $1 million gift (with $1 million match from Wegmans).

  • Infrastructure Growth

    FY21

    Institutional Advancement infrastructure was enhanced to support campaign growth. Fisher received $1.8 million estate gift from Leon Creek ’60, which would later be designated for the Lavery Library Modernization and Renovation Project.

  • Campaign Goals

    Dennis and Denise Tepas join the Fisher community in cutting a ribbon at the unveiling of the Tepas Commons.

    FY22

    $75 million goal achieved; gift established Dennis ’72 and Denise Tepas Commons and the Terrace at Tepas Commons; $2.5 million gift from Joseph R. ’78 and Karen Rulison ensured the longevity of the President’s Residence.

  • Transition to University

    A large crowd of Fisher community members gathered in the courtyard outside the President's Office.

    FY23

    Transition to St. John Fisher University; campaign goal raised to $100 million; 75th Anniversary celebrated; began efforts to raise funds in support of the Lavery Library project.

    A smiling person holds a sign reading I HEART FISHER against a gold sequin backdrop, conveying a proud, cheerful emotion.

    FY24

    $100 million goal reached; alumni engagement metric introduced; Spire Society updated to allow one-time, one-year contributions; conditional $5 million pledge from Wegmans Family Foundation Inc. for the Wegmans School of Nursing.

  • Campaign Impact

    St. John Fisher University Fisher Forward campaign conclusion event.

    FY25

    Alumni survey conducted; $5 million gift from Golisano Foundation for Board Designated Strategic Projects; $3,843,494 HEOP grant awarded in July 2024.

    Thank You $139 Million poster at Fisher Forward celebration.

    May 31, 2025

    The Fisher Forward campaign closed on May 31, 2025, raising more than $139 million.

Thank You!

With your support, the bold vision of Fisher Forward was realized. Together, we are investing in the future success of our graduates, our institution, and our community as a whole.