Celebration Erupts at Whitman School Over Successful Fundraising Record and Anticipation for Institutional Change
The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University has achieved a significant milestone in its philanthropic support, raising more than £10.9 million in cash donations during the 2024-25 academic year[1]. This record-breaking fundraising year marks a pivotal moment in the school's ongoing transformation plan, aimed at enhancing its academic programs, facilities, research capabilities, and overall reputation.
The philanthropic support has enabled the Whitman School to accelerate key aspects of its transformation, likely including the expansion and modernization of facilities, increased financial aid and scholarships for students, investment in cutting-edge research and faculty recruitment, and the development of innovative programs aligned with emerging business trends. These investments are critical to executing the strategic vision of the Whitman School to elevate its position nationally and globally in business education[1].
The success of the fundraising year can be attributed in part to the launch of the Whitman Leadership Circle (WLC) recognition program in the fall of 2024. In its inaugural year, 49 WLC donors made commitments generating more than £6.3 million in new support for the school[1]. The WLC program offers six levels of commitments, extending to £1 million or more.
The momentum generated by the WLC reflects the energy surrounding the Whitman School and its five-year transformation plan to become a top 25-ranked business school. Michael Paulus, assistant dean of advancement and external engagement, states that the WLC has seen extraordinary support from alumni, parents, and friends[1].
Philanthropic support from alumni and donors is more than just an investment in the Whitman School's success; it demonstrates unity and commitment to a shared vision for the school's future. WLC donors receive a personalized stewardship experience, including special recognition, exclusive communication, invitations to events, unique gifts, and opportunities to interact with students and faculty.
In addition to the WLC, support for the Whitman School in 2024-25 was amassed through multiple avenues, including annual giving to the Whitman School Dean's Fund, scholarship and endowment support, and multi-year commitments through the Whitman Leadership Circle giving society. The 2024-25 fundraising year was the most successful cash fundraising year ever for the Whitman School, with 1,649 donors supporting the school, marking the greatest level of participation since 2020[1].
The Whitman School is grateful to its community of alumni, parents, friends, and donors for their philanthropic support and engagement. The school encourages interested donors to learn more about the WLC and its opportunities on the Whitman Leadership Circle website or by completing the WLC interest form.
Sources: [1] Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University. (2025). Whitman School Breaks Fundraising Record. Retrieved from https://whitman.syr.edu/news/whitman-school-breaks-fundraising-record/
[1] Motevalli-Oliner, T. (2025). Whitman Leadership Circle Empowers Donors to Support Transformation. Retrieved from https://whitman.syr.edu/news/whitman-leadership-circle-empowers-donors-to-support-transformation/
The Whitman School's record-breaking fundraising year, totaling over £10.9 million, will enable significant investments in various aspects of its transformation, such as improving facilities, increasing financial aid, advancing research, recruiting faculty, and developing innovative education-and-self-development programs. The success of the Whitman Leadership Circle (WLC) recognition program, which raised £6.3 million in its inaugural year, contributes to the school's missions in finance and business.
