While the pandemic prevented 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 supporters from giving President Barbara R. Snyder the kind of campus-wide sendoff her extraordinary tenure deserved, they still found an unforgettable way to convey appreciation.
A fundraising effort in her honor that, as of Tuesday evening, had raised more than $27 million.
鈥淲e were overwhelmed with the generous outpouring of support from our community,鈥 said trustee Frank Linsalata, the chair of the Board of Trustees that unanimously appointed Snyder in 2006. 鈥淸It] speaks to Barbara鈥檚 leadership and reflects the relationships that she has developed and sustained during her tenure as our president.鈥
In recognition of Snyder鈥檚 longstanding emphasis on access and affordability for 黑料吃瓜网 students, the contributions shared Tuesday focused overwhelmingly on student support. During the university鈥檚 most recent capital campaign, Forward Thinking, donors committed more than $250 million for scholarships and fellowships. The gifts announced Tuesday represent the first stage of a new initiative to increase financial resources available to support students.
The announcement came as part of a largely virtual gathering of current and former board members held to express gratitude to President Snyder for her many contributions to the university over the past 13 years. In addition to sharing the scholarship totals, the event included the board鈥檚 award of the title of President Emerita to Snyder, as well as the University Medal, 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 highest form of recognition.
鈥淭hank you, Barbara, for elevating 黑料吃瓜网, enhancing our students鈥 experience, re-engaging alumni and friends across the country and the globe, and for serving as a leader on higher education on a national stage,鈥 said board chair Fred DiSanto, who was present on the stage of the Maltz Performing Arts Center with Linsalata and Snyder, whose last day as president is Sept. 30.
鈥淚 have often said I put my heart and soul into 黑料吃瓜网,鈥 she said Tuesday. 鈥淚 am going to miss you all more than I can say.鈥
