Vassar is standing strong. We are acutely aware of the challenges facing higher education today and are redoubling our efforts to ensure that our students have the financial aid funds they need, our faculty have the freedom to teach a curriculum without fear, and our commitment to belonging for the entire Vassar community is secure. We are Fearlessly Consequential—and remain dedicated to bettering our collective future.

Now totaling $375 million, the Fearlessly Consequential campaign has had great success to date.

With your help, we have:

• raised over $60 million for financial aid 
• $20 million for faculty scholarship and research
• funded the construction of The Institute for the Liberal Arts, the Dede Thompson Bartlett Center for Admission and Career Education, and a new, accessible Learning Commons for students and faculty in the Thompson Memorial Library
• built the new Richard L. Cretella Tennis Center
• funded two new and improved rugby fields, new squash courts, and an endowed head coach for squash
• substantial support for health and wellness investments on campus, as well as for our community engaged learning efforts in Poughkeepsie
• and much more

SEE THE IMPACT OF FEARLESSLY CONSEQUENTIAL

Based on recommendations from an accessibility study conducted by the College in 2021, Vassar has embarked on a renovation project to improve the Thompson Memorial Library’s north entrance. The new entrance will feature a two-story atrium and a welcoming vestibule, making it easier for visitors to access the elevator when entering the building. Learn more about the accessible Learning Commons that was funded by donors to the campaign.

Gifts from the campaign help to support Vassar’s Office of Community-Engaged Learning (OCEL) and the Vassar Education Collaboration (VEC), bridging the gap between academics and the greater Poughkeepsie area. These programs offer students a chance to step out of the classroom and participate in hands-on projects with local nonprofits, governmental organizations, and schools, encouraging them to explore the local community and giving them real-world experience to add to their resumes. Learn more about OCEL and VEC.

Vassar is proud to have 22 veterans and military service members who have found a welcoming new home on campus this year. Support through the Fearlessly Consequential campaign helps provide a full range of support services, programs, and events to ease the transition from military service to higher education, ensuring these remarkable individuals have the necessary resources to thrive.

THE MOMENTUM CONTINUES

What’s left to do? Over the next couple of years, we are aiming to raise an additional $40 million for financial aid. Our goal is to continue our need-blind admission policy, even under the specter of cuts to federal aid.

We also plan to fund the renovation of Old Laundry Building behind Main and transform it into a state-of-the-art classroom and convening space for the Center for Multidisciplinary Study. We will continue to seek funding for faculty research and scholarship.

There is still much to be done with Career Education programming, Community-Engaged Learning, and the Vassar Education Collaboration within the Poughkeepsie Schools. Our work to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and to preserve our campus beauty also remain key parts of the work ahead.

We are deeply grateful to the over 21,000 alums, families, students, friends, and foundations that have supported this campaign from its launch in October 2022. Please reach out to me at any time.

With gratitude,

Tim Kane

Vice President for Advancement

tkane@vassar.edu