Rising Above: We Rise Campaign Soars
Have you heard the amazing news? Thanks to your generosity and support, Wilson’s We Rise campaign has surpassed the initial goal of $16 million AND exceeded the stretch goal of $20 million! However, we are not finished yet. In true Wilson fashion, we plan to finish strong.
President Wesley R. Fugate, Ph.D. is thrilled with progress thus far. “What the Wilson family has already achieved is nothing short of remarkable, but we must not rest on our laurels. We must continue to dream bigger and rise higher.”
At a time when small colleges across the country are threatened, it is important for students and parents to see the successes happening at Wilson. Prospective students need to feel the momentum and long-term viability of the College and embrace the education she offers. Each of the priority focus areas of the We Rise campaign were selected with this in mind – the key areas that can help move Wilson forward. Each priority directly supports providing an outstanding Wilson education, rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, and will help to ensure students today, and for decades to come, are able to benefit from Wilson’s personalized student experience.
Scholarships
At the heart of Wilson is our commitment to providing access to an affordable, quality education for all students. And, while Wilson has taken steps to maintain a competitive tuition rate, the availability of state and federal financial aid has not kept pace with the cost of attaining a college degree.
Growth
Initiatives These dollars will directly support future academic and co-curricular programming. To remain relevant in the competitive world of higher education, we must continue to evolve and refine our offerings to ensure Wilson meets the academic requirements and personal needs of current and future generations of students.
Faculty & Staff Support
Recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff are key to the College’s future success and longevity. We must also ensure they have access to the technology, resources, and facilities required to deliver a quality Wilson education.
Debt Reduction
Fund Over time, Wilson has amassed a significant debt load due to various capital projects, a challenging amount for a college of our size. In addition, the debt requires meeting challenging covenants, further limiting our institution.
Wilson Fund & Unrestricted Giving
Yearly gifts to the College’s annual fund have long been how alumnae, alumni, parents, friends, and students demonstrate their commitment and support of Wilson. This focus area gives Wilson the most operational flexibility, allowing the institution to respond as needed, when needed, to unanticipated needs.
So many of our alumnae, alumni, and friends have stepped forward and made significant gifts to the We Rise campaign, and we thank you. We are especially grateful for those who have chosen to offer inspiration (and motivation) to the Wilson community with financial matches. Thank you all for leading the way.
“As we enter the final stage of the campaign, we must finish strong. While we have achieved our overall campaign goal, I know together we can go further in support of Wilson. You can help us rise above the goal by making a financial gift to our spring Wilson Fund drive,” shared Angela Zimmann, Ph.D., CFRE, vice president for Institutional Advancement.
If you have not joined us in supporting the We Rise campaign, you still have time. The campaign will officially conclude at midnight on June 30, 2025. Aim higher and dream bigger on behalf of and for Wilson. Help us achieve a conclusion to the We Rise campaign that defies expectations. Make a gift today.
Visit www.wilson.edu/ways-give to learn how you can contribute to the We Rise campaign.
