The Power of Collaboration
Photo: Lindsay Link
Magazine ~ Fall 2021
Photo: Lindsay Link
Magazine ~ Fall 2021
Photo: Jason Jones
President James A. Troha envisioned the “positive restlessness” he observed on campus upon his arrival as a catalyst for Juniata’s ambitious future. Photo: Jason Jones
In the early days of my presidency at Juniata, I often spoke of a “positive restlessness” that I had observed on campus and among our impassioned alumni. I felt this energy could be the catalyst for an ambitious future for Juniata.
Today, as I enter into my ninth year as your president, that restlessness I referenced has garnered over $128 million dollars for this College that we love so dearly. Through BELIEVE: the Campaign for Juniata College, the College’s endowment has grown from $106 million to $138 million. Our U.S. News & World Report ranking has improved by over 33 positions, moving from outside the top 100 to number 75 among national liberal arts colleges. Numerous new student scholarships have been created, buildings have been built, existing facilities renovated, professorships created, new academic programs developed, and Juniata’s curriculum reimagined. Beeghly Library is also about to be transformed into the Tim ’72 and Kathy ’72 Statton Learning Commons. These are just a few of the achievements and initiatives we have been able to accomplish because of YOUR generosity and support.
I cannot express enough gratitude for those that have led this campaign, particularly the Juniata College Board of Trustees and our BELIEVE Campaign Committee volunteers. They have been foundational to this endeavour. From their personal philanthropy to their wisdom, stewardship, and support, these groups have been exceptional partners with us over the past seven years. Led initially by former Vice President for Advancement and Marketing Gabe Welsch and now by Vice President for Advancement Jim Watt and his team, I am grateful for our staff who have traveled extensively and worked tirelessly to support all aspects of this campaign. Finally, I want to acknowledge the Juniata alumni and friends out there who simply believed in us. Whether it was attending a campaign event, writing a check, sending a supportive email, connecting us with other alumni, Juniatians enthusiastically stood ready to support this effort. Thank you.
The successes of the BELIEVE Campaign have set us on a path that will carry us through the years and challenges ahead. We will meet the new demands in front of us, continue to gain strength and emerge as a better Juniata, just as we have been doing since our founding in 1876. With a new strategic plan already in the works, I look forward to sharing with you some new and exciting initiatives that will continue the momentum and positive restlessness that propels us forward.
Thank you again for BELIEVING.
James A. Troha, Ph.D.
President
Photo: Sarah Anne Wharton '06
In 2014, at the launch of BELIEVE: The Campaign for Juniata College, Juniata set out to make the most significant investment in the student experience in the institution’s history. With a goal of solidifying the College’s future, we asked you to give in ways that you have not yet done. We asked you to volunteer, make gifts of meaning, mentor students, and share your heart with us.
We volunteered to be a part of this campaign because we believe the Juniata experience transforms lives. More than $128 million later, the evidence is clear. Our fellow Juniatians also BELIEVE.
You believe in the power of a Juniata education and that the experience here should be possible for all students. You believe in spaces that enhance opportunities for learning and creativity. Most importantly, you believe in the collective power of this great community and in Juniata’s mission to change the world one student at a time.
Alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and students have all come together to bring to life the vision we have for Juniata’s future. We have witnessed your belief in thoughtful and heartfelt ways and your call to action has helped create a better tomorrow for Juniata. Your investment in our students, our faculty, and our campus will enhance the student experience for generations to come. What an excellent investment!
It has been our great honor to serve as your co-chairs for this historic campaign, and to work alongside our outstanding committee members. We offer our congratulations to President Troha and the entire Juniata community. Thank you for all that you have done to help bring our beloved College to this extraordinary moment.
Elaine (Becker) ’76 and Keith ’75 Jones
Barb and Charles “Bud” Wise
BELIEVE Campaign Co-Chairs
