Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has announced the completion of its “Transcend Tomorrow: The Campaign for Florida Atlantic University,” raising a total of $617,376,995.44. This marks the university’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign in more than two decades.
The campaign drew support from over 65,000 donors, including alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends of the university. Contributions will benefit students, faculty, and programs across all colleges and units at FAU. The campaign focused on three main priorities: scholarships and student-success initiatives; health care training and research; and environmental protection programs.
“Thanks to the vision of my predecessor, John Kelly, and the generosity of more than 65,000 donors, the ‘Transcend Tomorrow’ campaign has elevated Florida Atlantic to new heights in research, student success, athletics and community impact,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “Thank you to everyone who helped us reach this milestone. We are just getting started.”
The campaign supported several major developments at FAU in recent years. Notably, FAU was among only 21 institutions nationwide to earn both Research 1 (R1) and Opportunity College & University (OCU) designations in the new 2025 Carnegie Classifications from the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Donations also funded construction projects such as the Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence and contributed to ongoing work on the Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building.
“This campaign shows what is possible through a clear vision and a plan to realize that vision,” said Piero Bussani, chair of the Florida Atlantic Board of Trustees. “We are proud to have the support of a generous community who contributed to making this significant impact at Florida Atlantic and the larger region.”
The campaign began more than ten years ago with a $16 million donation from the Schmidt Family Foundation. Richard L. Schmidt ’70 stated at that time that high-level competition requires top facilities for students.
“I believe that as much today as I did back then,” Schmidt said. “The success of Florida Atlantic over the past decade fostered by the ‘Transcend Tomorrow’ campaign proves that our investment in our hometown university has paid off tremendously. I’m extremely proud to be a part of this effort.”
As it entered its public phase, FAU reported record-breaking annual fundraising totals along with several major gifts from longtime supporters.
“I am proud to have worked with friends in the community who believe in the mission of Florida Atlantic and understand the monumental difference the university can make in this region,” said David Green, interim vice president for Institutional Advancement. “I am also grateful to our staff for connecting people’s passion with key university programs and ensuring the success of this campaign.”
A total of 65,120 contributors participated in Transcend Tomorrow—including a record number of students and alumni—echoing FAU’s early reliance on public fundraising when it opened its doors in 1964.
“This is the culmination of a great effort by our friends, alumni, students and the Florida Atlantic staff who pulled together to turn a plan into reality,” said Brian Poulin, chairman of the FAU Foundation Board. “On behalf of the Foundation Board, I wish to thank everyone who took part and made a real impact for our students and faculty and throughout our community.”
For further information about Transcend Tomorrow: The Campaign for Florida Atlantic University visit transcendtomorrow.fau.edu.
