Hartwick College Launches Historic $50 Million Together, We Soar Campaign

The campaign will raise $50 million to fund scholarships, academic programs, and campus enhancements. Already, Together, We Soar has raised $30 million in leadership gifts from current and former trustees, foundations, alumni and friends.

The kickoff coincided with Hartwick’s annual Day of Giving as well as the April 8 solar eclipse. It also marked the anniversary of the day the community of Oneonta rallied behind the College’s very first campaign – which funded the construction of the hilltop campus. On April 8, 1927, the city of Oneonta donated $200,154 (nearly $3.5 million in today’s dollars) and the land to successfully relocate the Hartwick Seminary to downtown Oneonta.

“This is a truly historic day for Hartwick College,” said Interim President James H. Mullen, Jr. “On the same day of a special celestial event, we announce a fundraising effort that will eclipse any campaign of our past. Today, we celebrate the enduring power of education and the vision and spirit that brought Hartwick from its beginnings as a Seminary to Oneonta nearly 100 years ago.

“That investment built this beautiful campus and drew students from all over the northeast and the world to learn and grow,” Mullen added. “The Together, We Soar campaign builds upon that legacy to ensure that the College not only keeps pace with higher education’s evolving landscape, it also prepares students to lead and contribute by fostering a climate of academic excellence and innovation.”

Vice Chair of the Board, honorary Campaign Chair, and member of the Campaign Committee, Kathleen Fallon ’88, said, “Together, We Soar embodies the spirit of Hartwick College. During our more-than 225-year history, we have partnered with the community and our entire Hartwick family to invest in this college and support its students. We look forward to harnessing the power of collective action to ensure a bright future for our students, faculty, and the entire Hartwick and Oneonta community.”

Funding opportunities are organized in five key pillars designed to empower Hartwick students to tackle modern challenges and develop the skills and experiences needed to become the leaders of tomorrow:

• Access & Opportunity: Investing in scholarships and initiatives that ensure talented students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive at Hartwick.
• FlightPath: The Hartwick Experience: Building the structure and support systems students need to navigate their unique journeys and lead meaningful lives.
• Academic Excellence: Funding bold new curriculum development, institutes and learning spaces to foster intellectual curiosity and innovation.
• A Vibrant Living & Learning Community: Creating a dynamic and inclusive campus environment rich in artistic, athletic and cultural experiences.
• Innovating & Community Engagement: Strengthening initiatives in civic engagement, leadership development, and creative expression, fostering a spirit of service and social responsibility within our graduates.

The honorary chairs of the campaign include: David ’83, H’14 and Stephanie ’84 Long, Ray “Larry” Miller ’73, Sally Griffiths ’88 H’19 and Tim Herbert, Kathleen Fallon ’88, and Colleen Connery ’83.

Commitments to the campaign can be made in the form of outright gifts, multi-year pledges, planned gifts, or matching gifts. Donations can be made online or in a check by mail, in one gift or monthly installments, in a bequest, from a charitable trust, or through stock transfers.

The Together, We Soar campaign is expected to conclude in fall 2026. To learn more about the campaign and to participate, visit hartwick.edu/togetherwesoar.