Gonzaga fundraiser draws $355.4 million for improvements, scholarships

Gonzaga University announced Wednesday that it raised $355.4 million dollars in a seven-yearslong fundraiser, far exceeding its original goal of $250 million.

The fundraiser, called “Gonzaga Will,” was started by Gonzaga President Thayne McCulloh and joined by more than 40,000 donors from all 50 states, according to a news release.

The money will be spent on buildings and facilities, endowed professorships, faculty positions and global engagement – and $110 million is specifically earmarked toward scholarships to help make the school more affordable.

“It’s about investing in the quality of the institution,” said McCulloh. “In many cases, these are long-term investments. Especially helping with affordability – that’s just a really big concern for us.”

McCulloh said he was humbled by the amount the school raised.

“When we first set out to do this, we were emerging from depths of recession, and we weren’t sure of people’s appetites (for charity),” he said.