News Release: May 8, 2002

Saint Anselm College marked the official public launch of its capital campaign Friday, April 26, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston.

Narrated by award-winning New Hampshire journalist John Clayton, "Celebrating Saint Anselm" included a multimedia history of the College, announcement of lead gifts, personal stories of accomplishment and news regarding the campaign goal. Robert Weiler, chairman of the College's Board of Trustees, told the crowd of more than 150 alumni and benefactors that the College has increased its goal from $40 million to $50 million.

"In the early stages of preparation for tonight's announcement, we hoped to announce an initiative that would seek to raise $40 million to support the future needs of the College. At the time, that number seemed more than we could hope for, but less than we needed," Weiler said. "I stand before you tonight proud to announce this new goal."

He added that, as of April 26, the College has $28-million in campaign commitments - an impressive start to Saint Anselm's most significant fundraising effort in its 112-year history. The College's last campaign in the early 1990s raised $14.5 million.

"My fellow trustees and I are committed to making this campaign a success," Weiler continued. "In the next few years you will see a new and strengthened Saint Anselm College unfolding - one that will take its place among the finest liberal arts colleges in the country."

Equally confident in the College's future success, Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., president of the College, said Saint Anselm already has established a firm foundation that will serve it well into the 21st century.
During his remarks, he reflected on the College's Benedictine history, its people, and its liberal arts identity that takes seriously questions of life and faith. "With the launch of the Campaign for Saint Anselm College, we take up again - and in a new way - the work of our founders. We begin the work of a generation that will result in a Saint Anselm College renewed, strengthened and prepared for the new world in which we live."

The event in Boston is the first of a series of off-campus campaign events to reach alumni and friends in different regions of the country.