Saint Peter’s University on Dec. 2 launched the public phase of a $75 million fundraising effort, which the school described as its most ambitious such campaign.
The 150-year-old Jersey City institution said the fund drive – dubbed Peacocks Rise: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s University – has already raised $70 million in its silent phase, which began six years ago. Saint Peter’s President Eugene Cornacchia formally launched the campaign at a kick-off event for donors and other supporters.
“We are really well positioned as a community to not only meet, but exceed our $75 million goal,” Cornacchia said at the Blue and White Ball. “In March our men’s basketball team showed the world what Peacocks are made of. When Peacocks Rise, there is no stopping us. I am challenging our community to raise the bar as high as we can for Saint Peter’s because we need to do the most we can for our students.”
According to the school, the campaign has been led by co-Chairs Kathleen McKenna and Anthony Pergola, along with a campaign cabinet that includes major benefactors, board members and honorary co-Chair Robert Hurley. McKenna, Pegola and Hurley are Saint Peter’s graduates.
Eugene Cornacchia – SAINT PETER’S UNIVERSITY
The goals of the campaign include improving facilities, funding scholarships, enhancing academics and supporting unrestricted positions.
“The public phase of Peacocks Rise is an invitation for all alumni, friends and members of the Saint Peter’s community to be a part of this historic moment,” said Leah Leto, vice president for advancement and external affairs. “Community-wide participation is vital. Everyone and every gift can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the future of Saint Peter’s University.”
Over the course of the silent phase, the school has received the two largest gifts in its history — $10 million commitments from former U.S. Rep. Frank Guarini and Joseph Panepinto. More than 450 donors have made gifts of $10,000 or more, and of the nearly 8,000 donors who have made gifts since the campaign began, almost half were first-time supporters.
