Legacy of Leadership Campaign Exceeds $90 Million Goal

BUFFALO, NY – A Legacy of Leadership: The Campaign for Canisius Universityconcluded on May 31, 2012 with $95.5 million raised, surpassing the goal for the campaign by $5.5 million. A Legacy of Leadership is the largest fund-raising initiative in the college’s 142-year history. 

Several large gifts received in the final weeks of the campaign put the fundraising initiative over the top. Two $1 million gifts from former Canisius trustees were made at the close of A Legacy of Leadership. The college also received a $2 million unrestricted gift from Patrick P. Lee Hon ’99, former chair and chief executive of International Motion Controls Inc. (IMC), and a second $1 million gift from Catherine M. Burzik ’72, chair of the Canisius Board of Trustees, and her husband, Frank. The Burzik’s first $1 million commitment to A Legacy of Leadership in 2008 was directed toward the renovation of Science Hall, the college’s interdisciplinary science center, and the establishment of The Catherine and Francis Burzik Endowed Scholarship Program. The latest gift was split, with half being an unrestricted gift to the college and the other half directed to the scholarship fund.

“We set a very aggressive goal for this campaign and we achieved it,” said President John J. Hurley. “It’s a vote of confidence from the Canisius family, one that demonstrates people have faith in the college and its potential.”

Highlights of the campaign included 25 gifts of $1 million or more, including the three largest gifts in Canisius history: a $5.1 million commitment from the Carl J. ’64, HON ’04 and Carol Ann Montante family, a $5 million commitment from an anonymous donor, and two New York State appropriations totaling $7 million. The campaign attracted 105 gifts of $100,000 or more. 

“The donors played the most important role in this campaign and the return on their investment will endure,” said R. Carlos Carballada ’56, HON ’81, national campaign chair. “Consider the possibilities: Students may go on to cure cancer, hold political office or become top athletes in their fields. The possibilities are infinite and I am proud to be a part of this exciting time at the college.”

A Legacy of Leadership raised $44.7 million for endowed scholarships and programs; $21.9 million in gifts to the Canisius Fund; $2 million to develop the Library Learning Commons; and $26.9 million to develop Science Hall.

Phase One of Science Hall will open in August 2012. The 120,000 square feet of space on the first level will house the departments of Computer Science and Mathematics, the Institute for Autism Research and the Dr. George E. Schreiner Pre-Medical Center. The integrated and interactive Margaret L. Wendt Animal Behavior Laboratory, student commons and study areas, and a living green wall are also planned for the first level. The dedication of Science Hall is planned for Friday, September 7, 2012.

“Science Hall will be the hub for new curricular and research initiatives, and propel Canisius into the forefront of undergraduate science education,” says Hurley. “The interdisciplinary approach allows students to develop an understanding of how new knowledge and skills are created across scientific disciplines, and prepares them for careers in the ever-changing and complex world of science, medicine and information technology.”

Subsequent levels of Science Hall will include the departments of Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology and the Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relationships.

For more information, contact the Canisius University Office of Public Relations at (716) 888-2790.

Canisius University is one of 28 Catholic, Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring individuals – able to pursue and promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.