Champlain College Celebrates Record-Breaking Fundraising Year

Champlain College had a record-breaking fundraising year; the most successful fundraising year in its 145-year history. The college has received over $23.8 million in financial support in the fiscal year 2023, including an anonymous $5 million donation – the second-largest gift ever received. 

“Record-breaking fundraising support from our students, alumni, and community reflects incredible enthusiasm for our career-focused, experiential approach to higher education,” said President Alex Hernandez. “We want our students to be READY for successful careers in technology, design, business, and social innovation. Thanks to our supporters, we are building a better future for our students, our college, and Vermont.”

International Business alumnus David Tabaruka ’10 talks with Ann DeMarle, Acting Dean of the Stiller School of Business, about how Champlain is a net importer of talent for the state of Vermont. Tabaruka currently works as the Financial Controller at the Community College of Vermont. He and his family immigrated to Vermont through the refugee resettlement program in 2004. Photos by Kathleen Landwehrle.

Champlain is focused on raising funds that support the following areas:

  • Innovation: going full STEAM ahead with future-focused academic programs like biotech, cybersecurity, and digital humanities.
  • Opportunity: building an Innovation Hub at its Lakeside Campus in the South End of Burlington where it will partner with employers to create transformative student experiences that get students ready
  • Community: expanding access through its Vermont First-Generation Scholarship and other scholarship programs, supporting student success, wellbeing, and belonging.
Donald Maynard ’13, alumnus of the Vermont First-Generation Scholars Program, chats with Lisa Mazzariello ’91, Champlain’s Assistant Vice President Student Affairs, Diversity & Inclusion. Champlain’s commitment to the Vermont First-Generation Scholarship increases access to education and ensures talented students stay in state for college. Maynard now works as a Sales Development Representative at Demandbase Software.

“Champlain College has a bold vision for higher education that helps students launch their lives,” said Board Chair Judith W. O’Connell. “We are humbled by the outpouring of support from our community and excited about the momentum we are building for our R/Evolutionary 2030 strategic plan.”  

Champlain’s record fundraising year paves the way for the College to continue to make courageous investments in groundbreaking academic programs that set the standard for career-focused higher education.

Caitlin Pascucci ’10, Founder, Executive Director & Yoga Teacher at Vermont’s Sangha Studio, shares her entrepreneurship story alongside Champlain community member Kyle Dodson, CEO/President of the Greater Burlington YMCA.

Want to make your mark on our record-breaking fundraising year? Make your gift here.

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