Last September, hundreds of alumni, supporters, community leaders, and faculty members poured into Shenandoah University’s James R. Wilkins Jr. Athletics and Events Center to celebrate the final phase of a wildly ambitious, $100 million fundraising campaign in honor of the school’s 150th anniversary.
“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, and our continuous pursuit of becoming an even better version of ourselves,” university president Tracy Fitzsimmons told the standing-room-only crowd at the Sept. 13, 2024 event.
The philanthropy-fueled push is the largest in school history. It launched privately in 2022 and has already gathered $85 million in support—including a $20 million pledge from Wilbur Dove (’59) and his wife Clare to build a new, cutting-edge concert hall and arts center. The campaign is now in its public phase and will bring landmark improvements like an expanded athletics center; improved tech; an entrepreneurship and innovation hub; and a small armada of newly endowed professorships.
Dove told attendees the drive will transform the school “and allow Shenandoah to continue to provide the very best educational experience and opportunities to its students.” SU.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Shenandoah University. This article originally appeared in the April 2026 issue.
