Whitman School Marks Achievement in Record Fundraising, Gains Impetus for Change and Transformation
Whitman School of Management Breaks Fundraising Records in 2024-25
The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University has achieved a significant milestone, raising a record-breaking $10.9 million in cash donations during the 2024-25 academic year. This impressive figure marks a notable increase from previous years, demonstrating the growing support and commitment from alumni, parents, friends, and donors.
At the heart of this success is the Whitman Leadership Circle (WLC), a programme that allows donors to make multi-year leadership gift commitments to directly support the Whitman School. Launched in the fall of 2024, the WLC recognition program generated over $6.3 million in new support for the school in its inaugural year.
The WLC offers donors a personalized stewardship experience, including special recognition, exclusive communication, invitations to events, and opportunities to interact with students and faculty. Commitments to the WLC begin at $25,000 ($5,000 per year over five years) and can be designated to any area at Whitman. The programme has six levels of commitments that extend to $1 million or more.
Alex McKelvie, the Whitman School's Interim Dean, emphasised the importance of this philanthropic support in achieving the school's future goals. "The success of our students and the community is crucial to our mission," he said. "We are grateful to our community of alumni, parents, friends, and donors for their unwavering support."
The WLC's extraordinary support is reflected in the school's fundraising success. The Whitman School's Dean's Fund, which supports student professional development opportunities, student financial support, experiential learning, and more, received nearly $3.2 million in cash giving and pledges. This tripled the amount from previous years, underscoring the impact of the WLC's efforts.
Moreover, the Whitman School attracted the greatest level of participation since 2020, with 1,649 donors rallying to support the school. Over 1,266 donors made gifts less than $2,500, demonstrating the impact of every gift, regardless of size.
The Whitman Leadership Circle's contributions are not just an investment in the school's success, but a demonstration of unity and commitment to a shared vision for the Whitman School. The school's transformation plan aims to become a top 25-ranked business school within five years, with philanthropic support playing a crucial role in this ambitious goal.
Michael Paulus, assistant dean of advancement and external engagement, stated that the WLC has seen extraordinary support from alumni, parents, and friends. "The momentum generated by the WLC reflects the energy surrounding the Whitman School and the opportunities it provides for students," he said.
The public can learn more about opportunities to support the Whitman School through the Whitman Leadership Circle on its website or by completing the WLC interest form. The Whitman School of Management continues to strive for excellence, and the support of its community is essential to its ongoing success.
The Whitman Leadership Circle's contributions not only aid in the Whitman School's pursuit of excellence but also foster education and self-development opportunities for students. The record-breaking fundraising success in 2024-25, spearheaded by the WLC, has embedded the school deeply in the realm of finance, ensuring its ascension towards becoming a top 25-ranked business school within five years.
