Shenandoah University Launches Historic Campaign To Celebrate 150th Year

Shenandoah University is pleased to announce the public launch of “Shine: The Sesquicentennial Campaign,” the largest fundraising initiative in its 150-year history. 

This ambitious $100 million campaign is a celebration of Shenandoah’s rich legacy — and the individuals responsible for building the institution into what it is today — and will help to ensure a robust future for the university’s next 150 years. The campaign is strategically focused on the pillars of transformative learning, student success, inspiring spaces and a bold future. These pillars are the basis for Shenandoah’s vision of becoming the preeminent institution of higher education in the region that prepares its students for a lifetime of impact and relevance as compassionate global citizens and successful career professionals.

Shenandoah University publicly announced the campaign during its “Our Legacy, Our Future 150th Celebration Gala” on Sept. 13, in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Events Center, which 500 people attended, including many alumni, regional business and community leaders, and former faculty and staff, along with current members of the university community.

The ‘Shine’ campaign is a testament to everything that makes Shenandoah exceptional — our dedication to every student, our vibrant community, our commitment to teaching and research excellence, our deep compassion, and our continuous pursuit of becoming an even better version of ourselves, driven by the audacity of our dreams. This is more than a fundraising goal. It’s a drive to ignite the ideas that will define the next generation of leaders, creators, and innovators. Together, we will illuminate the path to a bold and brilliant future for Shenandoah University.”

Shenandoah University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D.

Through the “Shine” campaign, Shenandoah is raising funds to construct a new Concert Hall and Center for the Arts, expand the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center, and amplify the work of centers like the Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE). Shenandoah will also advance academic innovation by pioneering new academic programs with cutting-edge technology and integrating advanced technology across disciplines, expand student access to global experiences, attract and retain world-class faculty through endowed professorships, and support greater levels of career preparation, scholarships, and opportunities for students to thrive.

“The ‘Shine’ campaign represents a pivotal moment for Shenandoah University and the entire Shenandoah Valley community. This is the largest fundraising campaign ever undertaken in the Northern Valley, a testament to the shared vision we have for the future,” said Mitch Moore, senior vice president and VP for advancement. “This campaign is our enduring commitment to the university’s mission, and is amplified by the incredible support we’ve already received during the private phase. We’re excited to invite everyone to join us in solidifying Shenandoah’s bold and brilliant future.”

The campaign’s private phase began in July 2022. Since then, Shenandoah has received over $85 million in gifts and pledges, including more than 150 principal and major gifts. Shenandoah experienced its most successful fundraising year ever last fiscal year, with financial contributions totaling approximately $35.1 million.

Last year’s fundraising success did not even include the ground-breaking gift SU received the prior year. In April 2024, alumnus Wilbur Dove ’59 and his wife, Clare, (pictured left) made a generous $20 million gift, the largest single donation in Shenandoah’s history, which will be used for the new Concert Hall & Center for the Arts. 

“Shenandoah University provided me with a truly valuable foundation that I’ve carried through my life. It is my honor to give back to the institution that has given so much to me, my family, and countless others,” Dove said. “I believe in Shenandoah’s mission and its future as a model of excellence in higher education. A performing and visual arts building will help ensure Shenandoah’s continued excellence. My hope is that others will join me in supporting Shenandoah’s continued success.”

The announcement of the “Shine” campaign comes as Shenandoah celebrates 150 years of growth and resiliency. Shenandoah, which was established in Dayton, Virginia, in 1875 with an initial class of 11 students, welcomed its largest group of new first-year students — over 600 — for the second year in a row this fall. Today, Shenandoah is approaching 5,000 students studying in Winchester, Loudoun County and online.

To learn more about “Shine: The Sesquicentennial Campaign,” and to support Shenandoah’s drive to continue to build on its rich history and create a bright future, visit su.edu/shine.