Posted: Friday, February 27, 2026
By: University Communications

Fueled by unprecedented generosity of donors, the University of Evansville (UE) is proud to announce that FORWARD the Campaign for the University of Evansville has surpassed its $125 million goal with a total of $130,470,925.

University officials believe FORWARD represents the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in Southwestern Indiana history.

More than 15,000 alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations supported more than 500 initiatives throughout the campaign—expanding access to education through scholarships, strengthening experiential learning opportunities, supporting inspirational faculty, and advancing transformative capital projects.

“This campaign is a powerful expression of belief in our students and in the role the University of Evansville plays in this region and beyond,” said University of Evansville President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “Exceeding our goal is an extraordinary achievement, but even more meaningful is what it represents: thousands of individuals coming together to open doors, create opportunity, and ensure our students have what they need to lead, serve, and make an impact.”

The seven-year campaign began with a leadership phase in 2019 and launched publicly in 2022, marking UE’s first institution-wide fundraising campaign since 2010. The FORWARD campaign focused on three guiding priorities: powering a transformative and accessible education, bringing academics to life, and fueling faculty who discover, teach, and mentor.

Gifts made during the campaign established multiple endowed chairs and professorships, expanded Harlaxton College and study abroad opportunities, increased faculty and research support, and provided more than $20 million in scholarships for students. Together, these investments reflect the broad and lasting impact of FORWARD across the University.

That impact is also visible in major campus and community projects supported through the campaign, including the UE Emily M. Young Mental Health Clinic, the creation of the Koch Family Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, the renovation of Wheeler Concert Hall, and the creation of the John David Lutz Theatre Lab. FORWARD also strengthened Aces athletics through the Freeland Clubhouse, German American Bank Field at the Charles H. Braun Stadium, Tri-State Orthopedics Field at James and Dorothy Cooper Stadium, and the soon-to-be-dedicated Begle Sports Performance Center for student-athletes. Corporate and foundation partners played a vital role in our success, including support from Lilly Endowment Inc. for youth programs on UE’s campus and the Toyota USA Foundation’s Indiana Driving Possibilities initiative, which advanced STEM education through the IN-MaC Design and Innovation Studio, along with other grants supporting the arts.

“FORWARD reflects what is possible when a community believes deeply in education and works together with a shared sense of purpose,” said Randy Alsman, co-chair of the FORWARD Campaign. “The impact of this campaign will be felt for generations, not only in the lives of our students, but across the region and beyond.”

Paul Jones ’71, co-chair of the FORWARD Campaign, emphasized that the close of the campaign is also a beginning. “This milestone represents tremendous generosity, but it also sets the stage for what comes next,” Jones said. “The momentum created through FORWARD positions the University to continue strengthening student success, supporting faculty, and advancing its mission well into the future.”

The University of Evansville extends its sincere appreciation to every individual, organization, and partner whose generosity made the FORWARD Campaign possible and affirmed UE’s role as a catalyst for transformative impact on our campus and in our community.