Lebanon Valley College Announces Historic $100 Million Ever Forward Campaign

Lebanon Valley College President James M. MacLaren announced Ever Forward, a historic $100 million campaign to support student scholarships, advance academic excellence, and enhance the student experience. MacLaren also shared that $68,714,805 has already been committed toward the campaign’s goal.

Ever Forward comes at a time of significant momentum for LVC as record enrollment, strong student outcomes, and new academic and co-curricular programs demonstrate the College’s vitality and its ability to prepare students for success. The campaign will build on that foundation, providing the resources needed to meet the evolving needs of students, families, employers, and area communities.

“Ever Forward is an investment in the future of LVC and, most importantly, in the potential of every student who chooses to learn, grow, and pursue their passions here,” said MacLaren. “With the support of our generous donors, we can expand opportunities, strengthen the experiences that set an LVC education apart, and ensure our graduates are prepared to lead, contribute, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. This campaign will help us take LVC further so our students can achieve even more.”

Ever Forward will focus on three pillars:

Student Scholarships

$30 million to increase endowed and current-use scholarships, provide emergency financial assistance, and reduce financial barriers to student success.

These investments will help LVC attract and retain talented students, make an LVC education accessible to more families, and provide students with the financial stability to focus on their education and pursue opportunities that prepare them for their futures.

June Collier Beyer ’80 and Michael Beyer ’80, long-time supporters of their alma mater that have an endowed scholarship fund in their name for students with financial need, are one example of alumni who are giving back to future generations of LVC students. Benjamin Shankroff, the main benefactor of LVC’s Shankroff Tennis Center, established a scholarship for an LVC student who intends to pursue a career in cardiac nursing.

“Scholarships are what made my college choice so evident,” said Jaeden Sistrunk ’27, M’28, a Speech-Language Pathology major. “Coming from a single-parent household, affording college was always a concern for me, but receiving my financial aid package allowed me to actually picture myself in higher education, pursuing my goals.”

Academic Excellence

The campaign will invest $35 million in the academic programs, faculty, facilities, and resources that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.

Priorities include expanding high-demand academic programs, investing in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and recruiting and retaining accomplished and inspiring faculty to serve as teachers, mentors, and scholars.

The newest academic investment at LVC will transform the Bertha Brossman Blair Music Center into the Squires School of Music and Creative Technology thanks to a $5 million gift from Joan Squires ’79 and her husband, Dan Hamann. Signature renovations include a sweeping two-story glass lobby to welcome guests and serve as an additional event space along with a significant overhaul to Lutz Auditorium that includes LED walls, improved acoustic design, and a state-of-the-art sound system.

Additional gifts that have already positively impacted students include:

• $5 million from the Bishop Foundation to establish the Katherine J. Bishop Fund for Global Studies that provides financial support for LVC students studying abroad.
• $5 million from national healthcare leader PAM Health. The inaugural graduating class of the PAM Health School of Nursing achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Exam this summer.
• $1.45 million from the Bishop Foundation that renovated the second floor of the Vernon and Doris Bishop Library to maximize student success, peer learning, and academic inquiry.

“Every dollar creates new possibilities for our students,” said Dr. Michelle Maldonado, Provost. “This campaign will help LVC strengthen signature academic programs, equip students with state-of-the-art resources, and ensure they learn from accomplished faculty who know them, challenge them, and care about their success. Together, these investments will create an even more transformative LVC experience that equips students with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and real-world experience to succeed wherever their futures take them.”

Student Experience

The campaign will raise $35 million to ensure students have meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and get ready for life after graduation.

Priorities include expanding experiential learning opportunities such as internships and research, bolstering health and wellness programs that support mental and physical wellbeing, increasing career and professional development programming, and reimagining athletic facilities and wellness spaces that support student-athlete success.

Early investments that will support the student experience include:

• $2 million from the Shaw Family Foundation toward a new 7,500-square-foot fitness and wellness center, along with improvements to athletic training and competition spaces across campus.
• $1 million from Dave Stover ’91 and Tracey Smith Stover ’91 and $1 million from Greg Hessinger ’87 and Paula Hessinger to create the James P. Monos Stadium at Henry and Gladys Arnold Field.
• Gifts from a group of lacrosse and football alumni joined together to raise $1 million to honor Bill and Bob McHenry through the naming of modern, new athletic locker rooms for multiple LVC Athletics teams.

“Some of the most impactful moments of a college education happen outside the classroom,” said Dr. Sarah McDowell, Vice Provost of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “Whether a student is completing an internship, conducting research, finding a community on campus, competing as a student-athlete, or receiving the support they need to thrive, these experiences shape who they become. By investing in the student experience, we are investing in confident, capable graduates who leave LVC with the skills, relationships, purpose, and perspective to make a lasting difference.”

The impact of these investments extends well beyond graduation. Students who have access to exceptional faculty, meaningful experiential learning, career preparation, supportive communities, and the resources they need to thrive graduate prepared to succeed in competitive careers and to contribute to their communities and society.

Learn more about Ever Forward at lvc.edu/everforward or contact the LVC Advancement Office at development@lvc.edu.