Campus News

Juniata College looks to build on its largest ever fundraising year

(Posted August 17, 2026)

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HUNTINGDON, Pa.— Juniata College has successfully completed the largest fundraising year in its 150-year history.  Contributions from a strong alumni network combined with gifts from friends, faculty, staff, and students totaled a record-breaking $41,090,343 for the fiscal year.  

Juniatians showed their support, with 3,678 alumni — 23 percent of the College’s total alumni base and the highest number in a decade — making gifts to their alma mater. Many individuals made extraordinarily generous gifts, highlighted by one historic commitment of over $15 million, as well as year-end totals of eight commitments of $1 million or more, 15 commitments of $500,000 or more, and 32 commitments of $100,000 or more. 

“Our alumni continue to astound us with their unwavering support and love for Juniata,” said Juniata College President James A. Troha. “The commitment they show through their financial contributions is just one example of their devotion to the College. It’s a great reminder that our community extends far beyond the campus.” 

This historic figure includes the largest 50th Class Reunion gift in Juniata’s history, with $13.7 million raised by the Class of 1976. The gift, which will support scholarships, academic and athletic programs, capital projects, and the construction of a new brick gateway on campus, was announced during the reunion held in early June. 

As part of the total $41 million raised, donors contributed almost $7.5 million through gifts, pledges, and planned gifts to further strengthen Juniata’s endowment. A record-breaking $1.9 million was designated for the Juniata Scholarship Fund and other annual scholarship support. These funds make it possible for many students to attend and graduate with a Juniata degree. Nearly $1.5 million was raised to expand opportunities for student internships and fieldwork experiences. Residence halls and residential life programs received $686,192 to support this important aspect of the Juniata experience. The fiscal year total includes commitments made in the present but designed for the future. This year, $25,810,000 was committed through planned gifts. 

Juniata’s annual Day of Giving, a day-long celebration of philanthropy held in early March, exemplifies the broad commitment from alumni, family, faculty, staff, and students. Day of Giving 2026 took place on March 3 and raised an unprecedented $940,585, with recent graduates making an especially strong showing.  

Building on the success of the past year, the College will be moving into the public phase of its current campaign, Our Promise, this fall. The campaign focuses on a set of priorities to strengthen the endowment, support scholarships and academic programs, and enhance buildings and infrastructure. Opportunities to take part in this initiative will be shared over the next few months.  

"With the public launch of Our Promise on the horizon, Juniata is preparing for a new chapter of possibility, momentum, and shared commitment to the students who will shape its future,” said James Watt, executive vice president for the College.   

To learn more about how to support Juniata College, please contact the Advancement office by email at advancement@juniata.edu or by calling Mat Stoudnour, associate vice president for advancement, at (814) 641-3191.  

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.