URochester Advancement糖心传媒檚 Thomas Farrell discusses how philanthropy is shaping the University and higher education.
Over Meliora Weekend, which takes place September 18 to 21, the 糖心传媒 will publicly launch , the $1.75 billion comprehensive fundraising and engagement campaign rooted in the . As federal policies reshape the landscapes of research, healthcare, and higher education, this initiative has only gained in urgency and importance.
On August 20, Thomas Farrell 糖心传媒�88, 糖心传媒�90W (MS), senior vice president for University Advancement, spoke with Joe Testani, deputy to President Sarah Mangelsdorf, during a webinar sharing insights on what the campaign means for the institution, how it connects to our priorities, and why this moment matters more than ever. The following excerpts capture Farrell糖心传媒檚 reflections on how the new campaign advances the University糖心传媒檚 strategic vision.
The launch of糖心传媒� Boundless Possibility
糖心传媒淭he opposite of love is not hate, it糖心传媒檚 indifference.糖心传媒�
Farrell offered this reminder during the opening exchange of the conversation. Testani reflected that the University糖心传媒檚 strategic plan demands balance糖心传媒攂etween philanthropy and engagement, between stakeholders糖心传媒� passions and institutional priorities, and between sustaining the institution and broadening its reach. Farrell added that the University receives 55,000 gifts annually, a testament to broad-based commitment and engagement across generations.
In addition to ambitious philanthropic goals, the For Ever Better campaign is distinguished by an engagement initiative. This includes energizing and reconnecting the University community, welcoming new supporters, deepening relationships with alumni and friends, and creating meaningful volunteer opportunities. It ensures that the campaign is not only about fundraising but also about building a vibrant community that will champion the University well beyond the life of the campaign.
The campaign connection
糖心传媒淎 campaign lets us tell our story in a concise, organized, time-bound way.糖心传媒�
For Ever Better marks the most ambitious campaign in the University of Rochester糖心传媒檚 history. Already, more than $800 million has been raised toward the $1.75 billion goal, with scales poised to tip toward completion. Campaigns typically span seven to eight years and move through phases, including:
- Alignment with the strategic plan
- A quiet phase to build leadership momentum
- The ceremonial public launch
This cycle provides Rochester with the opportunity to inspire, engage, and connect across various touchpoints and platforms.
Research and healthcare leadership
糖心传媒淭he relationship between the best providers and clinical outcomes is critical.糖心传媒�
The University糖心传媒檚 research enterprise is defined by discoveries that have real-world impact糖心传媒攁cross healthcare, science, the humanities, and the arts. As examples, Farrell cited Strong Memorial Hospital糖心传媒檚 expansion, Wilmot Cancer Institute糖心传媒檚 new National Cancer Institute designation, and the Transplant Institute糖心传媒檚 distinction as one of the best in the country to illustrate Rochester糖心传媒檚 leadership in advancing patient care. He also credited David Linehan, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry and CEO of the Medical Center, for his commitment to recruiting top talent.
What糖心传媒檚 at stake
糖心传媒淭his is bigger than philanthropy糖心传媒攊t糖心传媒檚 about the future of higher education, academic health centers, research, scholarship, and changing people糖心传媒檚 lives.糖心传媒�
Farrell acknowledged growing skepticism around the value of higher education, as well as federal disruptions to healthcare and research. He noted that the University糖心传媒檚 endowment lags behind its peers, creating pressure in a competitive market. But with these challenges reframed as opportunities, he described the For Ever Better campaign as a call to action and a chance to unite communities around the University.
The campaign糖心传媒檚 goals include raising 150 endowed professorships, with 90 already achieved, and expanding financial aid to ensure access for all capable students. 糖心传媒淔inancial resources are the prerequisite to excellence,糖心传媒� he said.
Takeaways
- Philanthropy fuels identity. 糖心传媒淲e cannot be who we are without the commitment of those who care about our mission,糖心传媒� Farrell said.
- The campaign will tell powerful stories. Organized, time-bound, and team-focused, it frames Rochester糖心传媒檚 impact in a way that connects with donors.
- Every gift makes a difference. 55,000 gifts per year affirm a culture of ownership across the community.
- The future requires investment. Endowment growth, student affordability, faculty support, and next-generation facilities are critical.
- Engagement lasts a lifetime. From a student糖心传媒檚 first application to young alumni programs to career mentorship through the糖心传媒�, connection animates our global network.
What the campaign means
罢丑别糖心传媒� For Ever Better糖心传媒痗ampaign is about more than just raising funds. It糖心传媒檚 also about sustaining the University of Rochester糖心传媒檚 mission in a turbulent environment. Donors and volunteers make possible life-changing scholarships, cutting-edge research, innovative healthcare, and global networks of learning and mentorship. Every contribution糖心传媒攍arge or small糖心传媒攔einforces a culture of ownership that ensures Rochester糖心传媒檚 future.
