Framingham State announces $12 million fundraising campaign during special State House Gala Celebrating 175th Anniversary

Framingham State announces $12 million fundraising campaign during special State House Gala Celebrating 175th Anniversary

Jul 14, 2015

A special 175th Anniversary Gala at the Massachusetts State House on Saturday, Oct. 25, proved to be the ideal location for Framingham State University to renew its historic commitment to accessibility by officially announcing a $12 million comprehensive campaign.

“Over the last decade, private philanthropic support has become a crucial ingredient for keeping the promise of a college education attainable to every qualified student,” FSU President F. Javier Cevallos said during the event. “That is why we are undertaking a major comprehensive campaign, which we’ve entitled ‘Investing in Student Success’ as the large majority of dollars will go directly toward helping students gain access to a college education through financial aid and scholarships.”

More than 150 people attended the gala, which was the signature event in FSU’s year-long 175th anniversary celebrations. It was held at the Massachusetts State House in recognition of the passage of legislation in 1838 that led to the establishment of schools for the training of public school teachers. Framingham State was the first of those schools to open, on July 3rd, 1839.

“Framingham State University was founded on the belief that every citizen should have access to an excellent education, regardless of race or economic status,” President Cevallos said. “We’ve come a very long way over the past 175 years, evolving into a comprehensive university, but providing access to educational opportunities remains as much a part of our mission today as it was back in 1839.”

The $12 million comprehensive campaign is the largest in the history of the University. The money being raised will be divided among the following initiatives:

$7 million will go directly toward supporting student scholarships and financial aid
$2 million will be invested in University facilities
$2 million will go toward strengthening faculty and academic programs
$1 million will go toward new equipment and technology in the classroom

If you are interested in supporting the campaign, you may click here, or contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 508-626-4012 or alumni@framingham.edu.

About Framingham State University

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 as the nation’s first public university for the education of teachers. Since that time, it has evolved into a vibrant, comprehensive liberal arts institution offering small, personalized classes on a beautiful New England campus. Today, the University enrolls more than 6,000 students with 58 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences and professional fields. As a State College and University (SCU), Framingham State prides itself on quality academic programs, affordability, and commitment to access for all qualified students.