2020-2021 Report to Donors

7,536 donors

including 2,165 in the Loyalty Society,
and more than 200 in the 1887 Society and St. Thomas Aquinas Society

$70.2 million

raised in FY2021
exceeding our goal by 41%

$32.5 million

raised for scholarships and student aid,
with 647 students receiving emergency pandemic relief

Dear Catholic University Family,

During a year when we all experienced uncertainty, when many in our community struggled, you continued to give. Thank you for your generosity.

Due to the pandemic, we set a fundraising goal of $50 million for FY21, well below what we have come to expect. We are happy to announce that we surpassed our goal by more than $20 million. Our donors made gifts of more than $70.2 million. Bill and Joanne Conway were integral to meeting this goal, giving an additional $20 million to fund scholarships that will benefit 160 nursing students over the course of the next five years.

But it was gifts of all sizes that made this year a success. Our donors gave more than $8 million toward the areas of greatest need; nearly $5 million in gifts went toward unrestricted support of The Fund for Catholic University, the Crisis Response Fund, and the various school annual funds. We raised nearly $350,000 – including gifts from many members of the Class of 2021 – to help kickstart the renovation of Caldwell Chapel.

We are also closing in on our goal for Light the Way: The Campaign for Catholic University. We have only a little more than $20 million to go to reach the $400 million finish line.

Thanks to your help, we are preparing to welcome our students back to campus for in-person classes this fall. We could not have done it without you. Thank you.

Sincerely,
John Garvey, President

Catholic University has a long history of excellence. During the pandemic, its pedigree of resilience, service, and compassion have proven invaluable.

 
975 donors raised nearly $2M

for the Crisis Response Fund
providing critical support during a time of unparalleled need

“This scholarship has changed everything for me — I can continue my journey as the first in my family to attend college. My parents have taught me the value of education, and it is important to me. I lost my dad due to the current pandemic, and I know he would want me to push myself and continue to study to achieve my goals. I hope to give back to the University someday and help future students reach their education goals with a scholarship.”

—Melanie H., Class of 2024

In April 2020, the University launched the Crisis Response Fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased need of our students, and the generosity of our community. Through this effort, 647 students received emergency aid relief and tuition assistance totaling more than $730K, and the University was provided with the resources to modify classrooms and facilities to safely re-open campus. Catholic University was proud to be the only University in the region to offer in-person classes to first-year students in fall 2020 and to all students in spring 2021.

 
$4,756,401 total

in unrestricted support
including $1.8M to The Fund for Catholic University and $2.9M to school and program-based annual funds

We are especially grateful for our 1887 Society members. This group of 226 individuals are annual giving leaders and leaders across campus. During the past year, they contributed more than $2.1M of unrestricted funding. Their generosity sets a bold example for others and truly helps the University to light the way.

 
$31.5 million

in scholarship support
because our community prioritizes a Catholic University education even during times of economic uncertainty

 
The National Catholic School of Social Service received a five-year, $3.2M grant
from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration's Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students Program.

 
The Class of 2020 Impact Scholarship
was awarded to Michael Graves, Class of 2024. Before they graduating, members of the Class of 2020 fully funded the first-ever senior class scholarship with help from the Alumni Association Board of Directors and others.

Bill and Joanne Conway committed an additional $20 million in scholarship support that will benefit 160 Catholic University nursing students over the next five years. With this most recent gift, Bill and Joanne’s transformational support of the Conway School of Nursing has reached a total of $80 million since 2013.

“It’s hard to come up with the words to describe the impact that this gift has had on my life. I’m so grateful.”

Graceann Kraemer, B.S.N. 2017, a former Conway Scholar who now works in the neuroscience/neurosurgery unit at Children’s National Health System in D.C.

“We're living through the biggest crisis in higher education in 100 years. I'm trying to support the faculty any way I can. They've really been working hard this year through challenges I've certainly never experienced in 30 years around higher education. [...] Yet there have been no complaints, and the faculty continue to be amazingly productive scholars, too.”

— Thomas Smith, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences

 
2 new locations

to deliver a Catholic University education
to students in Tucson, Ariz., and Alexandria, Va.

“In this era, online education is hugely important, but we believe at Catholic University that there's always going to be an important part to play in meeting students face-to-face.”

—Vincent Kiernan, dean of the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies

For years, the University has invested in innovative hybrid and online educational models, thanks to generous donors. In FY21, several of these initiatives were manifested, allowing the University to respond effectively to the demands of the pandemic and make a Catholic University education accessible to a wider audience.

 
35 virtual events

helped our community stay connected
during a year when most people were physically isolated

“We never expected to attend our 30-year reunion virtually, but we are glad we did! The programs were both fun and informative, with ample opportunity to connect with our classmates.”

—Susan, B.A. 1990, M.A. 1992, and Brian, B.S. 1990, B.Arch. 1991, Smiley

 
6 tour stops

for the sculpture "Angels Unawares"
starting on campus in Washington, D.C., and continuing to Boston, New York, Atlanta, Miami, and New Orleans. More tour stops are planned for FY22 before the piece returns to its permanent home on campus.

“Opening ourselves to others does not lead to impoverishment, but rather enrichment, because it enables us to be more human: to recognize ourselves as participants in a greater collectivity and to understand our lives as a gift for others: to see as the goal, not our own interests, but rather the good of humanity.”

—Brayan Hernandez, Class of 2022, Catholic University

“Angels Unawares” is intricately sculpted and cast in 3.5 tons of bronze by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz. An anonymous patron and Schmalz gifted the piece — based on Hebrews 13:2: “Be welcoming to strangers, many have entertained angels unawares.” — to Catholic University.

 
Gratitude

emanates throughout the University
because you have decided that Catholic University should thrive and the priorities of this Campaign must be met

“This is a huge milestone for the University and will benefit thousands of students and faculty, ensuring that the unique value of a Catholic University education is available in the century ahead.”

—Joseph L. Carlini, B.M.E. 1984, P ’21, chairman of the Board of Trustees and Campaign co-chair

Little was normal about FY21, but Catholic University found solace in you. You provided the resources to help the University maintain its standards. You proved that we can accomplish anything together. With donations large and small, you guided the University through concurrent crises. Together, we can light the way. Thank you.