“Reaching the World,” a College fundraising campaign that began five years ago, ended with a celebration  in Pulver Pavilion Friday, October 15.

In 2005, the College announced the start of the “Reaching the World” fundraising campaign with a $235 million goal. In 2007, the school raised its target to $370 million after receiving the gift of the Lunder collection of art. Despite facing a challenge during the 2008 recession, the College surpassed its goal with a total of $375,886,268 as of June 30, making “Raising the World” the largest fundraising campaign in Maine’s history.

The campaign’s objectives included increasing the College’s endowment for financial aid, raising funds for increased academic, faculty and student support, building Pulver Pavilion, the Diamond Building and the Bill Alfond turf field, renovating the stadium and  raising financial support for the College’s current operations. 

During the campaign, the fundraising team traveled and met with important alumni in major cities across the country. “[We told them about] the exciting things going on at Colby and about our aspirations for the future,” said Richard Ammons, former vice president of college relations. Ammons was involved in the planning phases of the campaign beginning in 2002.

To celebrate the success, the festivities began with a cocktail reception open to the whole campus. Roughly 200 students, trustees, faculty, administrators and  alumni attended the event. Chairman of the Board of Trustees Robert Diamond ’73 and President William D. Adams delivered  opening remarks, which were followed by a video that featured interviews with alumni, faculty, staff and students regarding their experience at the College. Then, the Colby Chorale took to the stage for a performance before a seated dinner in Page Commons.

“I thought the event was an incredible display of Colby’s dedication to its future. The money raised in this campaign is going to have a profound impact on the college for many years. It is amazing to think how many different aspects of our education are a result of this money,” Justin Rouse ’12 said. Rouse was one of three student speakers at dinner alongside Sarah Martinez ’11 and Tendai Mutunhire ’13.

In his speech, Rouse stressed the importance of the culture of philanthropy and how it contributes to the success of the College and the student body. He hopes that the College will continue its commitment “to bring[ing] students to Colby who will embrace opportunities here regardless of income, interests, nationality or race.”

Rouse is not alone in appreciating the hard work and compassion of staff and donors who completed this campaign. “I went to the dinner because I appreciate how much hard work, time and money has been dedicated to helping my education. I often think students forget how hard it is to run this college campus and how many people are working and donating money to help us have the best experience ever,” said Laura Maloney ’12.

Prior to “Reaching the World,” Colby undertook a campaign that raised $150 million in the 1990s.

“[Reaching the World] is a great step forward,” Adams said, “but we have much more to do. We have to maintain the momentum with respect to financial aid, access, and affordability and [ to support other important initiatives both to enhance the academic program and campus. We are not going to stop.”