Fordham University recently concluded its most recent fundraising campaign, Cura Personalis, For Every Fordham Student, an effort that started in 2021. The Cura Personalis fundraising campaign raised $371 million, surpassing its goal by $20 million.
The name of the fundraiser, Cura Personalis, references the Jesuit mission of educating the whole person, exemplified by the fundraiser’s four pillars: access and affordability, student wellness and success, academic excellence and athletics. The money raised went towards a wide variety of causes within Fordham, reflecting the university’s desire to support every aspect of student life.
The Cura Personalis campaign funded the development of the McShane Campus Center on the Rose Hill campus. Renovations included an 80,000-square-foot addition and bigger spaces for the Career Center, Campus Ministry and the Center for Community Engaged Learning. Other beneficiaries of the campaign included the New Era Fund for the basketball program, the Trustee Diversity Fund for economically disadvantaged students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, the LGBTQ+ Student Wellbeing Fund, student research, Serving the City Internships and 153 new financial aid funds.
Annette McLaughlin, director of Fordham’s Office of Career Services, described how the Career Center’s space in the McShane Center introduced students to new opportunities. According to McLaughlin, student engagement with the Career Center has increased by 220% ever since they moved into their new space. She described it as a friendly, inviting environment for students to network with each other, alumni, faculty and professionals.
McLaughlin explained that the Career Center seeks to serve students across all disciplines and backgrounds and invites students to “come and engage with us.” She emphasized the importance of having a dedicated space for Career Services and how it has elevated their relationship with faculty and students. She hopes to continue to expand the scope and reach of the services offered by the Career Center.
Joan Cavanagh, the director of spiritual and pastoral ministry, noted how the Cura Personalis fundraising campaign benefited the LGBTQ+ Student Wellbeing Fund. “In the two years since it was founded, the LGBTQ+ Student Wellbeing Fund has been making a difference all around Fordham — supporting events, services, classes and faculty initiatives that make Fordham more welcoming to students of all genders and identities,” Cavanagh said.
One event Cavanagh said the fund made possible is Ignatian Q, an annual conference organized by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities to promote community and spirituality among LGBTQ+ students. The LGBTQ+ Student Wellbeing Fund enabled Fordham to host the conference in 2023 and send 10 students to the 2024 Ignatian Q conference at Saint Louis University. The fund also supports Students Together for Acceptance, Respect, and Support and an oral history project with the SAGE center which allows Fordham students to engage with high school and elderly LGBTQ+ local community members and supports those members with additional opportunities. The fund also supplied LGBTQ+ students with scholarships to participate in the Global Outreach and Urban Plunge programs.
While many students have benefited from the fundraising campaign, others expressed concerns about how the money is being used, citing a lack of change in the quality of their student experience.
Tess Trammell, FCLC ’26, expressed a desire for additional money to be directed towards improving facilities specifically at the Lincoln Center campus.
Referencing the renovation of the McShane Center, Allie Kouch, GSB ’26, said, “Adding a second entrance right next to the original entrance did virtually nothing but waste the money. I haven’t even noticed a difference in the space for the Career Center.” Other students agreed that they had not made much use of the McShane Center or noticed many differences.
“I never go to the student center unless I’m picking up mail, so it doesn’t affect my life really,” said Mia Vilke, FCRH ’26.
Megan Kuck, GSB ’26, noted that while she did not utilize the McShane Center much, she thought that the additions to Campus Ministry were nice for the students who utilize their services. “I would like more money to go towards what I use or towards lowering tuition,” Kuck said.
Vilke and Kuck also expressed they would like more money to go towards lowering the cost of university dining options.
On the other hand, those who used university services made possible by the Cura Personalis campaign, such as the McShane Center, expressed more appreciation. “I think the money raised by the Cura Personalis fundraising campaign has certainly helped to provide better community spaces for students,” stated Margaret Gilligan, FCRH ’25. “The McShane Center in particular has been beneficial to me and my peers as a place to study during finals or just relax and play pool.”
