EMU Today

YPSILANTI –  Eastern Michigan University is proud to announce that Give Rise: The Campaign for Eastern Michigan University has exceeded its fundraising goal of $100 million, raising more than $119 million to support student success, advance programs of distinction, and help students excel in and beyond the classroom.

“We are immensely grateful for the donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and volunteer leaders who made this historic campaign a tremendous success," said Eastern Michigan University President James Smith. "The Give Rise campaign will impact almost every part of our university - from scholarships to laboratories to learning across the globe, helping to set a new standard for teaching and learning at Eastern."

The campaign's public phase began in 2021, focusing on scholarships, faculty support, and academic program investments critical to student retention and success in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 21,000 donors made more than 84,000 gifts or pledges, totaling $119,123,170, making “Give Rise” the largest fundraising effort in EMU’s history. 

"Through their generous contributions, our donors are making it possible for today’s students – and generations of future Eagles – to experience new ways of learning, explore their passions, and achieve greatness,” said Dara Munson, chair of the EMU Foundation Board of Trustees during the public phase of the campaign. “On behalf of the EMU Foundation Board of Trustees and the Give Rise campaign cabinet, we thank each and every donor. Eastern’s students are the real stars of this campaign – they are living examples of the impact Give Rise is making.”

In addition to supporting student success initiatives such as scholarships and faculty research projects, Give Rise has helped create state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, meeting spaces and provided new equipment and technology across campus. These investments will ensure that EMU remains competitive in an ever-changing, global landscape while continuing its mission of providing quality education for all students regardless of background or financial need.

Visit Give Rise: The Campaign for Eastern Michigan University to learn more. 

About Eastern Michigan University 
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.