SUNY Oswego's University Advancement reported that a wide range of alumni and other donors invested their time, energy, expertise and financial resources during the 2024-25 fiscal year to help students and the campus community grow, connect and thrive.

Gifts fueled a record 976 donor-funded (endowed and unendowed) scholarships totaling nearly $3 million, easing financial barriers and empowering students across all majors to pursue their dreams.

The strength of the university endowment, growing to over $80 million with an 8.4 percent 10-year return, enabled the Oswego University Foundation Board of Directors to increase the annual endowment spending rate by a half of a percentage point, which releases an additional $294,506 for scholarships and programs in the year ahead. That will bring the annual total campus support from the foundation endowment to nearly $2.7 million and ensures this support continues to open doors for future Lakers.

Strategic corporate and foundation partnerships also advanced this mission, including new funding from Micron Technology and continued support from Constellation Energy and National Grid to expand science, technology, engineering and mathematics programming, the College of Business and Entrepreneurship Center for Business Excellence and Transformation, and financial support for students.

Connecting students and alumni

Connection is at the heart of the Oswego experience. This year, alumni engagement strengthened the Lakers network, with 1,060 alumni volunteers participating in 27 signature events — including more than 800 alumni at Reunion Weekend and affinity reunions such as Return to Oz VI, women’s rugby and the Newman Center to regional programs across the country.

Several programs very intentionally united alumni and students through annual traditions such as Welcoming Torchlight, Commencement Eve Torchlight and New York City Career Connections, a free day-long event that enabled students to get a jump start on their career by connecting with NYC alumni at their places of business, getting professional advice and building connections.

Through the expanded Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) network, 560 mentors and at least 265 event speakers connected thousands of students with career guidance and the social capital they need to succeed in today’s world.

The Career Services team, partnering with alumni and employers, set new records at career fairs, engaging 1,580 students (48 percent from culturally diverse backgrounds), 219 employers and 350 employer representatives — including many alumni eager to give back. The office launched the From Playbook to Profession: Student-Athlete Career Conference, helping 300-plus student-athletes connect their skills and passions to meaningful careers. Employment data from the Class of 2023 prove these efforts are successful, as 97 percent of those graduates are working (93 percent in their field of choice) or continuing their education.

Thriving together

Because of alumni and donor commitment, the campus community continues to thrive. The campus raised more than $7 million this year, surpassing the annual goal, with more than 4,700 donors fueling scholarships, programs and strategic initiatives that advance Oswego’s mission.

Support helped the university celebrate and share Oswego pride through the weeklong Presidential Inauguration celebration and communications that reached Lakers worldwide, and alumni and other donors rallied together during the 1861 Giving Challenge and the March Matchness GOLD Giving Challenge, showing what’s possible when Lakers unite for a common cause.

The university also honored alumni excellence through the Oswego Alumni Association Awards and the Athletics Hall of Fame, celebrating the remarkable contributions of our graduates and inspiring the next generation of Lakers.

Through this generosity, leadership and Laker spirit, donors are transforming lives and igniting possibilities at SUNY Oswego. 

University Advancement thanks and appreciates all those who ensure that Oswego’s legacy of excellence and opportunity continues for generations to come. For more information on opportunities to give back and support students and the campus, visit the Support Oswego website.

-- Submitted by University Advancement