University of Scranton launches largest capital campaign in history

Sarah Hofius Hall, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
Updated ·2 min read
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Sep. 18—The University of Scranton wants to light a fire.

With the goal of advancing "mission, accessibility and excellence," the school has launched the public phase of the largest capital campaign in the university's 135-year history.

Leaders announced the $135 million "A Fire That Kindles Other Fires Campaign" during a black-tie gala attended by more than 350 guests in the Byron Recreation Complex on Saturday.

Goals of the campaign include continued investment in facilities, laboratories and learning spaces, and initiatives that support core aspects of a Scranton Jesuit education, such as the programming and scholarships offered through the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities.

In its nonpublic phase, the campaign raised more than $112 million from 17,800 donors since May 2018. The campaign received more than a dozen gifts of $1 million or more and the largest single-donation in the university's history, a $10 million gift from Patricia and Edward Leahy, which was announced at the gala.

"A Fire that Kindles Other Fires" is an expression borrowed from the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus and is a reference to moving into the future with all of the history and tradition of the past, the Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., university president, said in a statement.

"It is also a reference to people — the people who have been touched by the power of a Catholic and Jesuit education and now move through the world as agents of change and messengers of the Gospel, kindling other fires," he said.

The campaign will grow the university's endowment to help break the cost barrier and allow access to a Scranton education regardless of financial means.

"One key pillar of this campaign is scholarship, and I can personally attest to its transformative power," senior Cayla Kumar, a first-generation student majoring in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, said during the gala. "Scholarships are not just funding education. They are investments in the future leaders and change-makers who will carry our mission forward. They bridge the gap between potential and realization, between dreams and achievements."

The campaign will also support efforts to overcome other barriers to a Scranton education, such as the university's campuswide plan for diversity, equity and inclusion, and support Scranton's commitment to provide a transformational education to students who graduate as "men and women for and with others."

Information can be found at scranton.edu/campaign.

Contact the writer:

shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter.