Endowment
Total Goal: $75 million
The More Light! campaign will increase dramatically Lawrence’s endowment which is strong and growing, but needing continued investment to remain competitive. Through the More Light! campaign, we will increase the endowment by a total of $75 million. At its core, the endowment is an investment in people—the faculty and students who are at the heart of our mission.
Lawrence uses approximately five percent of its endowment each year and cannot rely on market growth alone to meet future needs. Simply put, a large endowment gives the college greater security and flexibility, and ensures that the traditional strengths will endure and thrive.
How does Lawrence University's endowment compare to other colleges?
Scholarships
Goal: $30 million
Since the beginning, Lawrence has believed that people of all backgrounds and financial means should have the opportunity to benefit from our unique experience. Funds from the More Light! campaign will expand the university’s financial aid base by creating new endowed scholarship funds. More than 90 percent of students receive some form of financial aid and reaching our goal will yield approximately $1.5 million more annually to make Lawrence accessible to all students.
Björklunden
Goal: $5 million
One of the most cherished aspects of a Lawrence education is the chance to spend a weekend at the Björklunden retreat. The More Light! campaign has already funded an expansion of this remarkable resource and has now made an endowment to support programming a priority. For more information about all that’s happening at Björklunden, click here.
Professorships & Faculty Salaries
Goal: $15 million
Faculty leaders and innovators in their fields are drawn to Lawrence from around the world and securing that faculty is one of our highest priorities. Endowed support for professorships ensure that we continue to attract and retain the most talented minds, develop curriculum, and offer new programs and opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary study. Funds from the More Light! campaign will establish five new faculty positions and reward the exceptional educators now teaching at our university.
Student-Faculty Collaboration Funds
Goal: $5 million
Many Lawrence students say that their most enriching experiences happen outside the classroom setting, working closely with professors - frequently as part of the Senior Experience - on projects ranging from geology expeditions to historical research and artistic endeavors. The More Light! campaign allows us to create an endowed fund to ensure that more students benefit from these kinds of one-on-one experiences.
Global Perspective Funds—Study Abroad & Support for International Students
Goal: $5 million
Lawrence has been a leader in providing students with a global perspective, whether it’s promoting travel abroad or attracting international students to our campus. By securing additional funding for international experiences, we create opportunities for all students who seek new vantage points from which to learn.
Faculty Development Funds
Goal: $5 million
Our faculty represents the very core of our institution and we must invest in their continued development as teachers and scholars. These endowed funds provide vital support that enriches their intellectual, artistic, and scientific endeavors, and enhancing the educational experience for Lawrence students.
Residential Life Funds
Goal: $5 million
To complement the major capital projects being developed as a part of the More Light! campaign, a Fund for Residential Life is being established to provide immediate and flexible capital support for smaller projects - vital capital investments that affect the quality of life on campus. These projects may range from low-cost, high-impact renovations of residential rooms, to the purchase of laboratory equipment, and the restoration of some of the most beloved landmarks on campus.
Library Funds
Goal: $5 million
The library is more than a collection of tools for learning. It is the intellectual center of the college. Securing greater financial support for the library will ensure its relevance and vitality in the future.
