Middlebury Raises $100 million in One of Its Best Fundraising Years Ever

Middlebury raised more than $102 million in gifts and pledges in fiscal year 2025, marking one of the strongest fundraising years in its history. Alumni and parent engagement was equally robust, with more than 8,000 people participating in events on campus, online, and around the world—from faculty lectures to Reunion and Homecoming celebrations. 

This year’s momentum brings the total raised during For Every Future: The Campaign for Middlebury to $559 million, putting Middlebury on pace to reach its $600 million goal by 2026, nearly two years ahead of schedule. The College also advanced toward its goal of engaging 85 percent of undergraduate alumni, with 79 percent attending an event, volunteering, making a gift, or reconnecting in other meaningful ways. 

“Alumni giving back to their alma mater continues to be one of Middlebury’s most meaningful traditions, helping us provide more opportunities for students and strengthen everything that makes Middlebury special,” said Dan Courcey, vice president for Advancement. 

Donors to the For Every Future campaign have committed the following: 

• $167 million to strengthen and expand financial aid and $2.6 million for opportunity grants;
• $110 million for academics, including $31 million to establish 10 new named professorships, enabling Middlebury to support and recognize distinguished faculty members who inspire students and push the boundaries of their disciplines;
• $56 million for experiential learning, including $6.7 million for student internships and undergraduate research and $9.8 million to create assistant coaching positions and support varsity sports;
• $46 million for capital projects, including the renovation of the Christian A. Johnson Memorial Building and the planning and construction of a new museum. 

“We are deeply appreciative of every gift that supports this important work,” said Ted Truscott ’83, chair of the Middlebury Board of Trustees and campaign co-chair. “A Middlebury education has a lasting influence, shaping lives and communities over time. For Every Future is an investment in Middlebury’s enduring strengths and its ability to adapt for the future.” 

Highlights of 2025 Giving 

All gifts made in fiscal year 2025 counted toward the campaign, and alumni, parents, and friends participated at every level and in many ways with impressive results:  

• Through the Endow the Future Challenge, donors created 46 new endowed financial aid funds totaling $10 million. Thanks to a generous matching gift from three alumni (Classes of 1983, 1988, and 1990), each donation was matched dollar-for-dollar—bringing the total to $20 million in new endowed funds to support financial aid.
• Undergraduate alumni participation reached 31 percent, with more than 6,900 alumni qualifying for the TrueBlue Society, which recognizes those who have given every year for at least three years.
• Annual giving totaled $30 million, offering the flexibility to respond to unexpected needs and sustain essential priorities such as financial aid.
• Gifts of $500 or less amounted to $1.3 million, demonstrating the broad base of support that fuels Middlebury’s mission.
• The 50th Reunion Class of 1975 set a record for class giving, contributing $15.5 million, and Reunion classes in general took a leading role in supporting Middlebury’s people and programs.
• A record number—2,053—alumni and family members returned to campus in June to celebrate Reunion. Alumni from class years ending in 0 and 5 gave and pledged a combined $38.2 million.
• A record 3,366 people made gifts totaling $1,078,428 during the annual Proud to be a Panther Challenge last fall in a tremendous show of support for varsity and club sports. Funds raised during the challenge, which far exceeded its goal of 2,000 donors, will help pay for equipment, travel, and more. 
• For its senior class gift, the Class of 2025 and 2025.5 made 223 gifts for Student Access and Support Grants through the Seizing Opportunities Fund.  

At the same time, College alumni are volunteering to serve as career mentors and advisors, alumni admissions interviewers, class agents, Reunion committee members, class correspondents, guest lecturers, trustees, and members of the Middlebury Alumni Association board and Annual Fund Executive Committee. More than 7,500 alumni took on these volunteer roles, including 875 who conducted 2,515 interviews of applicants for the Class of 2029 and 616 who served as career mentors. 

President Ian Baucom expressed appreciation for this enthusiastic support and engagement. 

 “As I begin my journey as Middlebury’s president, I am filled with gratitude for the support of our extended community. Every gift, every act of support, opens the door to our future,” Baucom said.  

As For Every Future continues, each gift and act of engagement helps ensure that Middlebury remains a place of access, excellence, and enduring purpose.  

“Middlebury supporters’ far-sighted generosity has shaped the College for more than 200 years, beginning with founder Gamaliel Painter’s bequest in 1817,” said Parker Harris ’89, P’20, campaign co-chair. “The campaign demonstrates again what Middlebury people can collectively accomplish and reinforces our deep commitment to the liberal arts and the common good. We are grateful for the many ways that alumni, parents, and friends support Middlebury.”