‘Together We Will’ Campaign Exceeds $75 Million Goal Six Months Early: Invites an Even Stronger Finish

With sincere gratitude, University of Findlay leaders today announced that the largest comprehensive campaign in campus history has exceeded its goal six months early. They plan an even stronger finish.

The Together We Will campaign launched August 1, 2019, with an ambitious goal of $75 million.

“Since then, 11,210 of our alumni and friends have come together to support the University.

Today, their generosity stands at $82,720,880 and we are deeply grateful,” President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., said. “Reaching this milestone shows the power of the UF community united by a common purpose: to invest in future generations of Oiler students, equipping them for meaningful lives and productive careers.”

Together We Will has already had a transformative effect on the University, and its impact will be felt for many years to come, she noted.

A surge of philanthropic giving in the past seven years under President Fell’s leadership has propelled the Together We Will campaign to 110 percent of its goal, and the generous gifts of donors have already accomplished the following:

• Donors have given more than $17.7 million for scholarships and $20.6 million for campus operations.
• The Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership was established through a $6 million leadership gift from UF Board of Trustees member Billy Watterson ’96 and his wife Brenda, and the first class of Watterson Scholars is launching this fall.
• Blanchard Valley Health System’s major support of the College of Health Professions has provided state-of-the-art equipment for UF classrooms and labs, plus scholarships for students who are preparing to become the health care professionals needed to serve families throughout the region.
• Undergraduate students in the Honors Program are working one-on-one with faculty on advanced research projects, especially in the sciences. Their unique research has resulted in 100 percent of these students being accepted into competitive graduate programs.
• Oiler student-athletes are benefiting from the construction and renovation of athletic facilities, including the lighting project at Armstrong sports complex and the new Dick Strahm Champions Field, providing a premium artificial turf practice field.
• UF’s world-renowned Mazza Museum expanded to establish the Joseph and Judith Conda STEAM Educational Center that enhances learning opportunities by bringing together art, literacy, science, and technology.
• The spiritual growth of UF students continues to be enriched through Campus Ministries. Participation in worship services, Bible studies, and retreats is a priority for many UF students. Donor support funds the ministry staff, builds fellowship on campus, and promotes Christian principles in an academic setting.

Of the total number of donors to the campaign, 36 percent are UF alumni, 61 percent live in Ohio, and 20 percent live in Hancock County.

UF Board of Trustees member Chuck Bills, a strong supporter of Together We Will, noted that the University’s economic impact for Hancock County exceeds $155 million, and there are more than 3,500 alumni living in Hancock County, supporting the community.

“Our campaign for the future of UF and its mission – to develop graduates who serve and lead with purpose, passion, and skill – adds value and brings cultural and social wealth to our community,” Bills said. “The real outcome is an engaged, enhanced community of neighbors.”

Dr. Bill Kose, a UF Board of Trustees member, believes the momentum of this campaign affirms that the University’s future is foundational to the long-term vitality of the region and the students UF serves.

“The University of Findlay strengthens our community by preparing students for meaningful lives and productive careers while supporting local economic growth through jobs and partnerships with organizations and business,” he said. “The University also enriches our quality of life with cultural and athletic programs.”

During the final six months of the campaign, Kenneth McIntyre Jr., vice president of advancement, noted that the University will concentrate on three fundraising priorities: the Findlay Fund, endowed and unrestricted scholarships, and science lab renovations.

“As we head toward the finish line on July 31, there is still an opportunity for UF alumni and friends to be part of this campus transformation,” he said. “There is no better way to fuel the Oiler spirit than a gift that supports our students and strengthens the future of the University.”

Top priorities for a powerful finish:

1. Gifts to the Findlay Fund provide UF leaders the flexibility to respond to opportunities, challenges, and innovation in real time. In this her final year as president, Dr. Fell has invited all who care about UF to join in achieving an additional $1,000,000 of support for the Findlay Fund before July 31, 2026.
2. Endowed scholarships and unrestricted scholarships bridge the gap for students and their parents, making a Findlay education more affordable. Scholarship support helps to recruit students to UF and allows them to focus on making the most of their Oiler experience, McIntyre noted.
3. In addition, renovating campus facilities and updating labs for the animal science, biology, EHSS, forensics, and health science programs will provide greater opportunities for students in experiential learning with cutting edge technology.

“This is a defining moment and we are primed to finish this exciting chapter of UF history with intention, impact, and vision,” President Fell said.

For more information on the campaign or to make a gift to UF, visit give.findlay.edu.