Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s College Officially Kicks Off in Florida

This January, Saint Peter’s College officially kicked off Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s College for the state of Florida with two launch events in Naples and West Palm Beach.  The Campaign receptions served as exclusive events for College alumni and donors to gather and hear about the Campaign and what the future holds for Saint Peter’s College.

Nearly $49 million has been secured for Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s College, which aims to raise a total of $62 million.  More than $3.6 million has been given by alumni and friends residing in Florida.  At each event, President Eugene Cornacchia, Ph.D.  announced a goal of $4 million.  “We owe a debt of gratitude to our Sunshine State alumni.  I have no doubt they will answer this call,” Cornacchia said.

Students at the Center is a comprehensive campaign comprised of six different priorities. At the heart of the Campaign is the construction of the College’s first ever, state-of-the-art student center, which will house space for student activities, dining and study facilities. The additional priorities include academics, athletics, the endowment, Jesuit Mission and Identity, and The Saint Peter Fund, the College’s annual fund.

On Friday, January 13, Robert Baratta, M.D. ’62, chairman and CEO of Ascent Surgical Partners, and his wife, Carol, hosted a Campaign reception at the PGA National Members Club in West Palm Beach.  “Everyone loves a great success story and when the story involves an institution that was a formative part of your life, it becomes that much more exciting,” said Dr. Baratta. “Watching Saint Peter’s College achieve growth, excellence and popularity has been very fulfilling. Then observing the expansion of the campus and its facilities has been downright breathtaking. I am delighted to be a part of this story at my alma mater and proud to support this Campaign and see it to a successful conclusion.”

Many alumni and friends gathered at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club in Naples on Sunday, January 15, at an event hosted by Josephine and Thomas O’Reilly ’69, CFO of Adams & O’Reilly, a management company which owns and operates 20 McDonald’s franchises.

“When I look at Saint Peter’s College today I realize what a significant impact it has had on my life,” said Thomas O’Reilly. “Today the College is serving a more diverse student body from all across the country and even overseas! Being educated at a Jesuit institution in the heart of the New York metropolitan area provides tremendous opportunities for young people and I am proud to continue to be a part of Saint Peter’s College.”

To learn more about the Students at the Center: The Campaign for Saint Peter’s College, please visit our Campaign website.  

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