St. Mary’s College of Maryland has surpassed its $20 million goal for the Taking the LEAD comprehensive fundraising campaign, achieving this milestone a year ahead of schedule. To sustain the campaign’s momentum and further the vision of outgoing President Tuajuanda C. Jordan, the initiative will now enter the “How High Can We Fly?” phase, concluding in June 2025.
“I am deeply moved by the transformational changes we are experiencing as our College ascends to its zenith. And, I marvel at the crucial private support we receive from our community,” President Jordan expressed. “The generosity of our alumni, friends, families, faculty, staff, and students has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your unwavering belief in our mission is inspiring and I am profoundly grateful.”
The milestone was reached with a significant commitment from the Landers Trust, announced on May 10 during a St. Mary’s College Board of Trustees meeting. This contribution brought the total funds raised for Taking the LEAD to $20,087,012.
Launched on July 1, 2020, the campaign was designed with a bold vision to prepare students to thrive as responsible and thoughtful citizens and leaders. Since its public launch in September 2023, Taking the LEAD has been aligned with the goals outlined in the College’s strategic plan, The Rising Tide, which focuses on creating an innovative academic identity, empowering student success, fostering inclusivity, and developing beneficial community partnerships.
“The campaign’s success has surpassed our expectations because our donors recognize that St. Mary’s College is an investment worth making,” said Helen Mattingly Wernecke, chair of the Taking the LEAD Campaign Steering Committee. “We have every confidence that this next year of giving will continue to propel the College forward in significant ways on behalf of all students.”
The funds raised through the campaign have already had a considerable impact on the College. Key projects funded include constructing a track and field facility, building an academic Marine Science lab, refurbishing science labs, purchasing equipment for academics and athletics, enhancing the Dodge Performing Arts Center, introducing new majors, supporting faculty innovation, and contributing over $7.5 million in scholarships.
Following the successful completion of the Landers Challenge in June 2023, where the College raised over $600,000 to secure a $1 million investment from the Landers Trust, the College received an additional commitment of $500,000 to expand the Landers Scholars program. This premier scholarship provides fully funded four-year scholarships, including first-year mentoring and community service opportunities, to students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, and those underrepresented in higher education. The number of first-year students selected for this scholarship will increase from four to six beginning with the 2024-25 academic year.
The Landers Trust is among several distinguished donors whose cumulative contributions exceed $1 million. Notable benefactors include SMCM Foundation Director Scott Raspa ’86, who made the largest planned gift in the College’s history; Nancy Dodge, who made the largest outright gift to name the Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center; Professor Don Stabile, who made significant commitments for scholarships; and former College Trustee and SMCM Foundation Director Bill Seale, who provided funds to launch the new business administration and track and field programs.
The College’s Foundation Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, Campaign Steering Committee, and Alumni Council have been instrumental in cultivating and securing these gifts.
“Eclipsing $20 million a year early in the campaign timeline is cause for celebration, but the journey does not end here,” said Carolyn Curry, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “The campaign’s energy is boundless. We have 120 donors making five- and six-figure gifts, but we are most humbled that we’ve received more than 19,700 gifts so far. Every single dollar matters.”
As the campaign transitions to its final phase under the banner “How High Can We Fly,” it aims to ensure that St. Mary’s College continues to provide a high-quality, experiential liberal arts education, positioning it as a top choice for future generations.
