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51Ʒ�� proudly announces the successful completion of the We Rise: United for Wilson’s Future capital campaign, raising an extraordinary total of approximately $21.75 million over three years. This achievement reflects the deep generosity and enduring belief in Wilson’s mission shared by alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the College.

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In May 2022, 51Ʒ�� launched the We Rise campaign, a transformative fundraising initiative designed to provide a strong foundation for Wilson’s future. The campaign responded directly to the challenges brought on by the pandemic and the rapidly changing higher education environment.

The We Rise campaign centered on five strategic priorities: Scholarships, Growth Initiatives, Faculty and Staff Support, Debt Reduction, and the Wilson Fund & Unrestricted Giving. These pillars directly aligned with the College’s five-year strategic plan, Future Wilson: The Phoenix Rises, reinforcing the institution’s core mission to provide a transformative and affordable education. By investing in these key areas, the campaign provided a platform for sustainable growth and institutional resilience. This vision was championed by Wilson’s leadership and Board of Trustees, who recognized that critical funding was essential to sustaining momentum and unlocking future potential for the College.

“Thanks to the strategic efforts of our dedicated faculty, staff, and administration, Wilson is well-positioned to thrive amid the evolving landscape of higher education,” said Jennifer Nickle Banzhof ’94, chair of the 51Ʒ�� Board of Trustees and member of the We Rise campaign committee. “Recognizing the importance of a strong investment in the strategic initiatives, the Trustees prioritized securing additional funding to enrich the academic curricula, attract and retain talented students, faculty, and staff, and ensure a Wilson education remains both accessible and transformational.”   

Fueled by the campaign’s success, 51Ʒ�� achieved a historic milestone in Fall 2025 by reaching the highest-ever point-in-time enrollment, with a 38% increase over the past three years. This surge reflects the impact of the strategic plan and marks a defining moment in Wilson’s history. 

President Wesley Fugate, Ph.D., captured the spirit of the campaign when he said, “This is our time—to steady this College, to rise above the noise, to prove that Wilson doesn’t just survive… she endures, she inspires, and she transforms.”

What made We Rise truly special was the breadth and depth of support—from young alumni making their first $1,000 gifts to longtime trustees doubling their commitments. This collective spirit of generosity and belief in Wilson’s future will be honored with a donor recognition display, to be unveiled this fall on the ground floor of John Stewart Memorial Library. The display will serve as a lasting reminder of what’s possible when a community rises together in pursuit of a bold and hopeful future.