Douglass Residential College raised more than $15 million through a fundraising effort in celebration of its centennial – exceeding its goal by more than 50 percent.
The Power of the 100 Years Campaign was launched four years ago to advance diversity in a variety of industries by supporting innovative programs and opportunities for student leaders.
The campaign raised $15,115,013 across five funding areas that create opportunities for STEM programming and professional development, educate global leaders, and provide Douglass students with emergency financial assistance.
As a result of the campaign, Douglass has started two new living-learning communities for students interested in STEM. The Computer Science Living-Learning Community, which provides resources for students pursuing technology fields, and the DOCTORS Living-Learning Community, which empowers underrepresented students as well as economically disadvantaged students interested in pursuing medicine or other health professions, were both launched with support from the campaign.
The campaign also supports existing programs including The BOLD Center, Douglass’s career development program, and The Global Village, a living-learning community that offers fully funded service-learning trips abroad. Project SUPER, an undergraduate research program doubled in size to offer more than 80 students stipends to complete summer research. In addition, the college established two lecture series designed to bring in high-profile speakers to Douglass.
“Thanks to my involvement in Project SUPER, a research program funded through donations to Douglass, I hit the ground running in the laboratory,” said Alexandra Jacko, a student researcher in the Cardiac Neuroscience Lab at the Rutgers Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies. “For the past year and a half, I have really been able to learn more about the scientific process and prepare for the future.”
The Power of 100 Years Campaign was developed to educate the next generation to secure a future of peace, prosperity, and well-being. Now, upon the successful close of the campaign, the funds raised are preparing students to engage with the problems of today and to anticipate the issues of tomorrow.
“The passion of our community has not only enabled Douglass’s success through decades of societal and political changes but has buoyed our emergence as a leader in education,” said Jacquelyn Litt, dean of Douglass Residential College and Douglass Campus.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to all the donors to the Power of 100 Years Campaign – they have helped shape Douglass’s first century, and now will carry us into our second century of success. Every gift to the college makes an impact on students, and we are full of gratitude for the accomplishments we have achieved together.”
The campaign was led by Barbara Rodkin, who served as the chair, as well as Julie Domonkos, chair of the Douglass Alumnae Advisory Board, and all of its board members.
On September 18, 1918 – with 54 students, 16 faculty members, and 12 library books – the college embarked on an ambitious mission to offer high-quality, four-year, undergraduate liberal arts education. Since that day, Douglass has provided 101 years of excellence, 101 years of opportunity, and 101 years of access. Today, with 2,600 students and more than 39,000 engaged alumnae, Douglass remains committed to that mission – as an institution stronger than ever.
