Nazareth University Endowment Reaches $100 million as Centennial Celebration Concludes

For the past two years, Nazareth University has been celebrating its centennial, recognizing the 10 decades that have passed since the institution’s inaugural 1924-25 academic year. As the Centennial Celebration officially ended this past weekend at the University’s 2025 commencement ceremonies, another significant milestone was reached: Nazareth’s endowment has reached $100 million for the first time. 

“As we embark on our journey into the next century, I am elated to see the strong position of our University in reaching this milestone at almost the exact moment we concluded our Centennial Celebration,” said Nazareth University President Beth Paul, Ph.D. “Every person who has contributed to Nazareth’s success is making a lasting impact on the future, and allowing us to advance our mission of education through action and empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”

In celebration of Nazareth’s Centennial, the University unveiled its landmark 100 for 100 initiative, inviting donors to ensure Nazareth’s long-term financial stability and support the University’s Centennial funding priorities of student success, institutional sustainability and future advancement, community engagement and strategic partnerships, and campus enhancements.

Successfully increasing Nazareth’s endowment to $100 million is one of several milestone goals in the 100 for 100 initiative. Nazareth also met its goals of:

• Welcoming 100 new Nazareth Leadership Society members: annual donors of more than $1,000
• Gaining 100 new 1924 Loyalty Society members: donors who give three years or more consecutively

“We’re grateful to those who have supported Nazareth philanthropically as we celebrated our Centennial with the 100 for 100 initiative,” said Darrell Bell, Nazareth’s vice president for advancement. “It’s only fitting that we also commemorate this moment by crossing the $100 million mark and showcasing the strength and sustainability of Nazareth for our next 100 years.” 

The University is halfway to completing its only remaining goal: to gain 100 new Founders Legacy Society members, Nazareth’s society for planned giving.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 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.

• published: 2025 May
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