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The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University, spoke of NU's completed capital campaign at a press conference Tuesday at the Castellani Art Museum.
The Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University, spoke of NU's completed capital campaign at a press conference Tuesday at the Castellani Art Museum.

Promise fulfilled: Niagara University announces completion of $80 mil capital campaign

by jmaloni
Tue, Apr 10th 2012 01:25 pm

Niagara University is pleased to announce the successful completion of "The Promise of Niagara...The next 150 years," an $80 capital campaign that began in May 2007. The campaign is the single largest fundraising initiative in the history of the 156-year-old institution.

" 'The Promise of Niagara' has been an exciting and transformative period for Niagara University," said the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of Niagara University at a press conference this morning. "By reaching the $80 million mark, we have attained the goal of modernizing the university's campus, both physically and programmatically. This work will enhance the excellent Catholic and Vincentian, values-based education that future generations of students will receive at NU."

Within the past six years, significant capital improvement projects have been completed on the university's Lewiston campus as part of the campaign, including:

Bisgrove Hall and the Academic Complex - Opened fall 2007

The three-story, 56,000-square-foot Academic Complex, housing the colleges of Business Administration and Education, officially opened in fall 2007. The College of Business Administration's wing was subsequently named Bisgrove Hall in recognition of the support of Jerry Bisgrove, Class of 1968.

B. Thomas Golisano Center for Integrated Sciences - Opens fall 2013

A lead commitment of $10 million by B. Thomas Golisano in October 2008 ensures that Niagara will continue to be on the cutting edge of teaching and research in the field of science. The facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013.

Student Scholarship

The "Promise of Niagara" campaign has raised $9 million for scholarships and financial assistance for graduate and undergraduate students. This funding includes money to increase existing scholarships and fund new endowed scholarships for future students.

Vincentian Residence - Opened December 2008

A 10,500-square-foot Vincentian residence was constructed in December 2008 with accommodations for eight residents and two guests. Providing a new living space with updated accessibility conveniences for the Vincentian community was a primary goal of the campaign.

Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre and the renovated William P. and Marie Leary Theatre - Opened May 2010

The reconstructed Leary Theatre, replete with a new two-story lobby and atrium, was unveiled to the public in May 2010. The addition is named the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre thanks to the generosity of George and Betsy Wiegers and the Wieger Family Foundation. More than 100 students major in theater studies at Niagara, where an average of eight professional-quality performances are produced each year.

Gacioch Family Alumni and Admissions Center

William Gacioch, '61, and his family pledged a $2 million gift for the renovation of Meade Hall, which will be renamed the Gacioch Family Alumni and Admissions Center. This facility will serve as a gateway to the NU campus for prospective students, alumni and friends of the university.

Inside the Numbers

While Golisano's $10 million commitment toward the integrated science center is the campaign's largest gift, the university has received unprecedented support from friends and alumni. Niagara received 14 gifts of $1 million or more and 237 gifts of at least $25,000. Nearly 15,000 individuals pledged support for "The Promise of Niagara."

"Generous contributions from trustees, alumni and friends of Niagara University have made a measurable and visible difference," said Robert Dwyer, chairman of the campaign. "The accomplishments of NU graduates over the past century and a half are a testament to the university community. Niagara is now poised to continue that success well into the future. To our alumni and friends, thank you - you have truly made a difference."

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