Record-Breaking $105 Million Gift from Five Generous Alumni Transforms Colgate University

Five alumni of Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, have made headlines by donating a total of $105 million. This includes a groundbreaking $50 million from Peter Kellner, marking the largest single gift in the university’s history.

These donations will primarily fund new residential buildings on the lower campus, nestled along Broad Street. This initiative is part of Colgate’s ambitious Third Century Plan, introduced in 2019. This long-term strategy aims to enhance academic offerings and boost student experiences while transforming the campus physically.

To support this vision, Colgate launched a monumental $1 billion capital campaign in 2022, called The Campaign for the Third Century. This effort is touted as the largest fundraising drive of its kind for a liberal arts college of its size.

In addition to Kellner’s major contribution, Jean-Pierre L. Conte donated $25 million for a new social center on campus, which will bear his name. Other significant gifts of $10 million came from alumni like Becky and Christopher Hurley, Robert Fox, and Stephen Sprague.

Colgate’s President, Brian W. Casey, expressed deep gratitude for these generous gifts. He emphasized their importance in solidifying Colgate’s commitment to being a leader in residential liberal arts education.

The third-century initiative includes the completion of a residential commons system, enhancing living experiences for upperclassmen. Plans also include constructing spaces for dining and socializing, promoting community and independence among students. Colgate intends to invest over $200 million in these projects in the coming years.

Kellner, a former managing director at Morgan Stanley and a Colgate alum from 1965, sees the Third Century Plan as a long-term commitment. He stated, “I wanted to do something impactful for the University.”

Conte, chairman of Genstar Capital, reflected on his own Colgate experience, emphasizing the importance of supporting future students to achieve their dreams. He envisions the new Conte House as a welcoming space for all students.

Colgate has enlisted top architects, including Robert A.M. Stern, to design the new campus buildings, with landscaping plans led by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.

With such strong alumni support, Colgate University’s future looks bright, poised to create enriching experiences for generations of students. For more on this project, visit Colgate University’s official updates.

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Colgate University,Higher education philanthropy,Peter Kellner