Update: For Every Future: The Campaign for Middlebury

The following message was sent to the Middlebury community from President Laurie Patton:

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

I am writing to share an update on For Every Future: The Campaign for Middlebury and how it is advancing our academic programs and the work of our faculty. 

Since launching in 2022, we’ve raised $87 million for academics, including $25.8 million specifically for endowed faculty positions.These gifts are empowering our departments, helping Middlebury lead in teaching, research, and intellectual exploration. They are enabling us to attract and retain inspiring faculty who shape our students’ lives and uphold the depth and rigor of our academic experience and enrich our students’ experiences.

Our goal is to raise $120 million for the academic enterprise, and the journey continues. In the months ahead, our campaign co-directors will meet with department chairs to talk about the impact of philanthropy, discuss how we can further engage alumni, and gather insights on future departmental needs. I’ll be sending another update about that soon. 

I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together. This campaign’s success shows the transformative power of our academic mission—and at its heart our extraordinary faculty. Your passion and commitment have inspired alumni, families, and friends to join us in shaping Middlebury’s future.

Support for Academic Programs

In addition to professorships, we wanted to share today more about how philanthropy has provided funding for academic departments and programs, faculty research, our centers, and the Davis Family Library. Notable recent contributions include:

• Middlebury Initiative for Data and Digital Methods (midd.data), providing seed funding from alumni and parents to integrate data skills throughout our curriculum.
• The Jean B. Seeler ’60 Endowed Fund, supporting lectures, performances, and internships in the Theatre Department.
• Middlebury Arabic Department, anonymous gift, enhancing cultural activities, visiting scholars, and faculty development.
• Middlebury Sustainability Corps Expendable Fund, ensuring every student gains tools for impactful environmental engagement.
• Dogteam Theatre Project Fund, supporting experiential learning in theater.
• The Jennifer Weaver Sullivan ’78 and Benjamin Weaver ’16 Endowed Discretionary Fund for the Computer Science Department, providing funding for projects, such as new equipment, faculty stipends, student and faculty research, student tutors, student participation at conferences, and specific programs for majors.
• The Tobira Discretionary Fund and the Tobira Graduate Programs Expendable Support Fund, increasing flexible funding for graduate programs in the Middlebury School of Japanese.
• The Climate Action Program (CAP), funded by Erol Foundation and NextWorld Philanthropies, supporting CAP’s expansion and creating an endowment to prepare future climate leaders.
• Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism, empowered by an anonymous gift to expand its team and research on security threats.

Support for Faculty 

As previously shared, we have created new funded faculty positions. Donors have endowed eight faculty positions that enrich departments and both support current faculty and attract new talent. 

I am moved by the generosity so many have brought forth to sustain and strengthen our academic community. Each gift speaks to the profound impact of our faculty and academic programs and to the lasting legacy of the life of the mind that we build together.

Warmly,

Laurie Patton
President