Nazareth thanks Tom Golisano for $5 million gift to the University, part of $360 million donation to Upstate NY nonprofits
At Nazareth University, we often speak of changemakers. Individuals who make a positive impact on the lives of others, on our community, and our world. So many of our current students, faculty, and staff – as well as those who have come before us, in this, our 100th year – meet this definition. So too, without a doubt, does Tom Golisano.
Today, Sept. 17, 2024, Tom Golisano generously donated $5 million to Nazareth University. This is an unrestricted gift, which gives Nazareth the maximum ability to best use the funds to further our mission of serving as a leader of transformative education through action for social justice, preparing and inspiring courageous changemakers for their life's work.
This gift is part of an incredible $360 million donation — to 82 organizations in Central and Western New York — that Tom Golisano announced today. Many of the other organizations receiving funds are entities with which Nazareth has long partnered. None of the organizations, including Nazareth, knew of this gift. The surprise, delight, and appreciation Nazareth University feels in being selected for this gift, and for the support that is being provided to our valued partners, is immeasurable. Nazareth is humbled and deeply touched that Tom Golisano believes in our efforts to foster integrated learning through action and reflection, educating whole persons who are guided by empathy, committed to equity, and prepared to lead innovation for our time.
Tom Golisano has been a strong supporter of Nazareth University in the past, through major donations that helped fund the purchase and renovation of Golisano Academic Center and the construction of the Golisano Training Center.
This latest gift — to be received in 5 payments of $1 million over the next 5 years — is truly institution-changing. Being an entrepreneur himself, the only guidance Tom Golisano provided regarding use of the funds is his hope that it goes toward entrepreneurial endeavors that help recipient organizations do things better for the populations they serve.
Nazareth could not agree more. While further discussions regarding this hours-old news are still to be had, Nazareth fully intends to use this gift for long term strategic initiatives that build and enhance current — and possibly new — aspects of Nazareth that will make us a stronger, growing, and more vibrant university for yet another century.
Saying “thank you” seems insufficient at moments like this — and it is. But sometimes the simplest way to say something IS the best. Thank you, Tom Golisano. On behalf of the entire Nazareth University community, thank you so very, very much.
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
Tom Golisano has a long relationship with Nazareth University. He is pictured here at the grand opening event of the Golisano Training Center at Nazareth in October 2019.