St. Thomas University’s first-ever capital campaign continues to make tremendous progress. To date, we’ve raised almost $50 million, surpassing by over 20% our original goal of $40 million. STU President, Rev. Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale, says “Through the generous support of our donors and the tireless efforts of our staff, this campaign has drastically improved our campus, multiplied our academic programs and scholarship opportunities, and continues to enhance the very soul of St. Thomas University.”
Our supporters include alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University, corporations, foundations and prominent members of the national and local business and philanthropic communities, as well as federal grants and appropriations.
Just take a look at the campus today and you will see proof of the transformative effect the Capital Campaign has had on the University. From the Fernandez Family Center for Leadership and Wellness to the nationally recognized undergraduate research conducted in the Carnival Cruise Lines Science and Technology Building, the Capital Campaign’s impact on St. Thomas University is evident in every corner of our campus and will have a lasting impact on our students for generations to come.
The first project of the Campaign in 2001 set the scene for the future of the University campus. The dramatic new entrance on 37th Avenue, winding through the pine trees towards the beautiful Chapel of Saint Anthony, made an impact on visitor and student alike. Thanks to the generosity of Wini and Joe Amaturo, the University community can now enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Chapel of Saint Anthony for religious devotion and reflection.
Our long-term plan to offer a research-based undergraduate program for talented minority students in the sciences came to fruition with the September 2008 dedication of the Carnival Cruise Lines Science and Technology Building. We now offer nationally unique science programs like the STEM (Science, Technology, and Engineering & Mathematics) FELLOWS cohort program. The FELLOWS program offers selected minority students with outstanding academic records the chance to pursue research-based majors in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. These baccalaureate students will be prepared to compete for entry into the finest graduate science, mathematics, and medical programs. State-of-the art research laboratories have also provided faculty with the infrastructure to apply for and secure federal grants for their projects.
Our most recent major capital project, the Fernandez Family Center for Leadership and Wellness, was dedicated in September 2009. The 62,000 square foot building is home to our Bobcat basketball and volleyball teams, and provides a long-awaited fitness center for the entire St. Thomas community. The Fernandez Center also serves as a venue for concerts and community events for the North Miami-Dade and South Broward regions.
Another major area of the campaign is for endowed scholarships. Many of our students are first in their family to attend college and cannot afford a private education without the help of scholarships. Scholarship endowments provide funds to cover the gap between federal and state grants and allow them to attend college without going into debt. The largest gift to date is from the Archdiocese of Miami, who established an endowed scholarship for students graduating from local Catholic Schools.
We invite you to join with us in the Capital Campaign for STU as we continue to seek funds to expand upon the opportunities the Campaign’s projects have provided, and build our reputation as one the nation’s leading centers for Catholic higher education.
For more information on St. Thomas University’s Capital Campaign, please contact Vice President for University Advancement and Marketing & Communications Beverly S. Bachrach at 305-623-2355 or email at bbachrac@stu.edu.