For nearly 200 years, Southwestern University has provided students, faculty, and staff with an unparalleled campus experience. Throughout these two centuries, the generosity of the Southwestern community has paved the way for countless students to experience all that the University’s unique liberal arts education has to offer.

After seven years of historic support, Southwestern University is celebrating the successful completion of Thrive: The Campaign for Southwestern. The most ambitious fundraising campaign in the University’s history saw the Southwestern community come together to donate over $160 million, surpassing the campaign’s goal of $150 million.

Karim Clarke ’26 participated in the Houston Methodist Research Institute internship program in 2023 thanks to funding secured through the Thrive campaign.“Each gift to the Thrive campaign was an act of hope, care, and belief in what this University can both become and sustain,” Vice President for University Relations Marie Muhvic said. “Thank you for ensuring that generations of students will continue to dream boldly, learn deeply, and thrive in ways that will change their lives – and the world. To those who provided leadership gifts, your vision has paved the way for transformation. To every donor who participated, your vote of confidence is a testament to the power of our community coming together to reach this historic finish line. Your investment forever links you to Southwestern University and to the lives that will be changed here for generations to come.”

The Thrive campaign has transformed Southwestern, in the classroom through major investments in student success and academic excellence, and on campus through the renovation of historic buildings and the construction of several new facilities. The campaign also saw record-setting donations to the University’s annual and general support funds, ensuring the impact of Thrive will continue to be felt for years to come.

“I am deeply grateful to our students, faculty, and staff for bringing Southwestern’s mission to life each day, and to our President, Board of Trustees, and the University Relations team for their unwavering commitment to increase student support,” Muhvic said.

The Thrive campaign raised over $5 million for high-impact experiences, allowing 12 students to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro through the Southwestern Outdoor Adventure program in 2024.Nearly half of all funds raised have contributed to student success, including over $32 million for student assistance in the form of financial aid and scholarships, easing the burden for thousands of students. These donations have allowed students to focus on their education rather than on financial worries and, upon graduation, pursue their post-undergraduate goals without substantial debt burdens.

Over $11.5 million was raised for student life initiatives, in addition to over $5 million for high-impact experiences. The generosity of the Southwestern community has contributed to hundreds of students participating in high-impact experiences during their time on campus, from outdoor adventures like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to paid internships like conducting research with world-class doctors at Houston Methodist Hospital.

Another $2.5 million was raised to enhance advising and increase retention. First-year advisors were hired to help students understand the structure and purpose of Southwestern’s curriculum and how it connects to other experiences such as research, internships, study abroad, and community service.

The Thrive campaign helped raise nearly $20 million for academic excellence, supporting the creation of endowed chairs for several academic departments.Southwestern’s unique liberal arts education wouldn’t be possible without its world-class faculty. The University is dedicated to providing them with the resources required to advance their fields of study and equip students with an exceptional education.

Nearly $20 million was raised to support academic excellence. Endowed chairs have been added to several academic departments, allowing Southwestern to continue to attract and retain world-class faculty. Donations to individual departments have funded faculty scholarships to conduct research, plus the addition of more student assistants and state-of-the-art equipment. A major gift created the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship, dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous professional growth and collaboration among Southwestern faculty.

The Thrive campaign has financially supported numerous building projects that align with the University’s vision for a more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive environment that fosters teaching and learning while preserving the historical integrity of the campus. More than $20 million has been dedicated toward the construction and renovation of residential and academic buildings.

Originally constructed in 1908, Mood-Bridwell Hall has been renovated to add new classroom spaces that provide a state-of-the-art, 21st-century learning experience for students.Mood-Bridwell Hall, a historic gem originally constructed in 1908, has been renovated to add new classroom spaces that will provide a state-of-the-art, 21st-century learning experience for students. Additional upgrades to the A. Frank Smith, Jr. Library Center, Distinctive Collections, and Professor John Score II Learning Commons have enhanced the academic journey for all Pirates.

The Thrive campaign made the construction of the new Welcome Center possible. On track to open in the spring of 2026, the facility will become the new home of the Office of Admission and Financial Aid. The Welcome Center will include an art gallery, cafe, theatre, and meeting spaces.

Funds have also been raised to construct a multi-purpose sports complex on campus. More than infrastructure, the vibrant and inclusive multi-purpose sports complex represents a lasting space for students, alumni, parents, and fans to gather, celebrate, and connect—cementing the role of athletics and school spirit in the Southwestern Experience.

Set to debut in the fall of 2026, the new multi-purpose sports complex will create a lasting space for students, alumni, parents, and fans to gather, celebrate, and connect.Located on the site of the current football practice field east of campus, the full scope of the project includes a grandstand, a stadium press box, a synthetic turf playing surface, a locker room, and a concourse area. Design is anticipated to be completed this summer with construction scheduled to begin in the fall and home athletic competitions commencing on campus beginning with the fall 2026 semester.

As the book closes on the Thrive campaign, these generous donations have enhanced Southwestern University’s infrastructure, offered life-changing experiences, and created an environment for the entire SU community to thrive for years to come.