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University of Rochester Meliora Campaign Raises Nearly $1.4 Billion

rochester.edu

The University of Rochester has just completed its Meliora Challenge, that’s a massive, multi-year fundraising campaign which raised nearly $1.4  billion, about 14 percent above its goal.

U of R President Joel Seligman says the university never had a campaign of this scope before, but he says it's vital for the institution to be able to continue its mission. 

“It was absolutely critical to galvanize resources to support faculty, students, new programs and facilities in ways that are absolutely vital. We are competing in a very tough league.”

Seligman says among the main beneficiaries of this campaign will be money that will go toward scholarships.

“We raised over $225 million to support our students and given the cost of higher education every dollar you raise to help with student scholarships is a victory,” Seligman told WXXI News.

Other funding will go toward endowed professorships and helping pay for buildings and other facilities that have been upgraded in recent years, including the Golisano Children’s Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Center, and Wegmans Hall, which will house the data science program.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.