Message from the President

Thank You

We are at a defining moment in higher education.

With these exact words, we set out on our journey five years ago to secure the resources we need to help enhance our mission of preparing students to contribute to the common good. As a public institution, we pride ourselves on keeping the doors of education and possibility open wide to all who seek higher education and a better life. To support that mission and to keep college affordable and within reach, we laid out an ambitious plan to raise $40 million. It was the largest single campaign among all SUNY comprehensive colleges and nearly double our last campaign goal of $23 million.

And we did it!

Generous donors helped us surpass our $40 million goal and ultimately raised $43,483,781 and became part of college history by participating in our largest campaign to date, improving the lives of our students and invigorating our campus climate. Through this campaign, we established 76 new scholarships, 67 new funds for our departments and colleges on campus, and provided nearly $8 million in direct support to campus departments and funds. Through donor support, our endowment over the past five years grew 163% to $30.3 million by adding financial stability and a predictable source of revenue that helps the college plan and build programs.

We are in a stronger position now to recruit the best and brightest faculty and students, and to provide a dynamic, learning-centered environment that transforms lives and inspires our graduates to achieve their greatest dreams. 

We are grateful to the generous support of more than 16,000 donors representing alumni, employees, students, parents and friends who helped us surpass our historic goal. Their support is having a direct impact on the lives of our students and in the vibrancy of the communities where our graduates live and work.

Oswego pride is surging, as we present a multimedia website that showcases the impact of With Passion & Purpose: The Campaign for SUNY Oswego. All of the content was produced, directed, scripted, filmed, and inspired by our Oswego family of students, faculty, staff and alumni.

On behalf of a grateful college community, I offer our sincere appreciation to the Oswego College Foundation Chairman Bill Spinelli ’84, Campaign Chair Mark Baum ’81, Honorary Campaign Chair Barbara Palmer Shineman ’65 M’71 and Sheldon Legacy Society Steering Committee Chair Jack James ’62 who accepted the responsibly to in the words of Edward Austin Sheldon “to help raise this institution to its highest degree of usefulness” through With Passion & Purpose: The Campaign for SUNY Oswego.