Change Can’t Wait closed its fundraising campaign on Sept. 5 after a Board of Trustees vote, but new scholarship opportunities will continue as the administration plans its next campaign.
Former American University President Sylvia Burwell launched the fundraising campaign in 2021 to expand scholarships, advance research and connect with the D.C. area. The campaign reached its goal of $500 million on June 18, and the Board later voted to officially close it.
The campaign sought “to redefine what is possible for the Eagle community,” according to the website, by dividing the funds into three categories: elevating, leading and inspiring.
The fundraiser expanded 180 scholarships and students now have access to more than 200 experiential learning opportunities. It also accomplished 414 endowed scholarships and fellowship funds, valued at $3.73 million.
Leah Brady, the assistant vice president for donor engagement and advanced communication, said that Change Can’t Wait is currently in its transition period. Administration will continue to focus on providing scholarship opportunities with consideration of the budget deficit and possible tuition increase.
“Our efforts are going to be focused on inspiring donors to understand and give money that can be available for current youth scholarships,” Brady said. “We’re hoping that they’ll be unrestricted so that they can go to any student, regardless of school, regardless of major, go to the people who need it.”
Brady also said that University President Jonathan Alger will work with the committee to figure out the next steps for defining the strategic area of focus and planning the next campaign.
The Heydt Scholarship was one of the campaign’s accomplishments, a $4.5 million gift donated by Class of 1975 alumnus John Heydt and his mother Florence Heydt. They credited the University for Heydt’s academic foundation and decided to give back.
Other donations came from the Kogod family, who gifted $15 million to the University to establish three endowed chairs of finance, marketing and sustainability. This endowment allows professors to have more available resources for research purposes.
A total of nine faculty positions were endowed in Change Can’t Wait, which will be another priority of the next campaign, according to Brady.
The legacy of Change Can’t Wait also continues with the construction of the Student Thriving Complex to provide “access to academic support services, physical and mental health sources, and wellness programs,” according to the campaign’s website.
So far, $34 million has been raised for the Student Thriving Complex, which has allowed for the development of the Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance. The Meltzer Center was planned as the University’s first net zero building and will enhance the experience for student-athletes.
The Student Thriving Complex also includes the renovations in Mary Graydon Center and Lydecker Tunnel. MGC renovations led to the relocation of the Academic Support and Access Center to Butler Pavilion and the new Student Engagement Commons to the third floor. The second floor is currently under renovation, but it will include new event spaces and student activity offices.
Brady explained Change Can’t Wait as a comprehensive campaign as opposed to a capital campaign, meaning that the projects used were for a broader range of needs. The next campaign will also be comprehensive and will take a couple of years to plan.
Since Change Can’t Wait is a long-lasting campaign, there are still donations that the University does not have access to yet. Endowment money takes time to come in and “people might make a commitment that spans five years, so they’re making a gift over time,” according to Brady.
“A campaign creates momentum that lasts,” Brady said.
This article was edited by Olivia Wood, Tyler Davis and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Sabine Kanter-Huchting, Ella Rousseau and Ariana Kavoossi.
