On May 2, St. John’s University unveiled an exciting $400 million fundraising campaign. This initiative aims to build new facilities for students and athletes, including a state-of-the-art basketball practice center.
The campaign is buoyed by a record-breaking $32.5 million donation from William J. Janetschek, the Chair of the Board of Trustees. Of this generous gift, $25 million will fund the new practice facility, while $7.5 million is earmarked for student scholarships. The facility is expected to be completed by 2027.
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, the university president, praised Janetschek’s contribution, saying it will greatly enhance opportunities for St. John’s basketball programs and allow student-athletes to fully realize their potential both academically and athletically.
Alongside this donation, the university has launched the “HEARTS ON FIRE” campaign. This campaign seeks to bolster the university’s financial resources, upgrade academic facilities, and create more opportunities for students. As of May 1, the campaign has already raised an impressive $251.5 million.
The fundraising effort will conclude on May 31, 2028, and aims to strengthen education at St. John’s for both students and faculty. The campaign aligns with the institution’s Vincentian values, emphasizing service and education.
In recent years, university fundraising has seen a surge, with schools often turning to philanthropy to enhance facilities and scholarships. According to a recent survey by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, higher education institutions in the U.S. raised a record $52.3 billion in 2021, highlighting the increasing reliance on donations for financial support.
For ongoing updates about the HEARTS ON FIRE campaign, you can follow St. John’s on Instagram or visit the university website.