As Eastern University enters its 100th year, the community is excited to launch A Time to Rise, a $30M comprehensive fundraising initiative that will serve as a consequential piece of the overall five-year strategic plan that was put into place in 2022.

“It has definitely been ‘A Time to Rise‘ at Eastern University,” said President Ronald Matthews. “Witnessing the growth and development taking place on our campus and within our community has been remarkable. This particular initiative is a pivotal milestone within our strategic plan to bolster and support that growth, set the stage for a flourishing future for Eastern, and inaugurate our Centennial Year!”

The goal of the strategic plan amplifies the University’s collective calling to inspire those around it, innovate with excellence, and impact the world through its gifts and values of Faith, Reason, and Justice. A Time to Rise will help advance this mission.

Funds from this $30M initiative will support the lives and futures of the students directly in four key areas: 

• Enhancing the facilities and environment, through strategic renovations and expansions of athletics facilities, academic buildings, and, notably, Templeton Hall, a project currently underway to create a collaborative learning experience for all Eastern students, particularly those in the Templeton Honors College and Fine & Performing Arts.
• Offering distinctive opportunities and experiences, ranging from study abroad programs and multiple modes of educational delivery to increased scholarships and endowments reflecting the University’s commitment to accessibility and affordability.
• Enriching the teaching and learning experience through funds to support faculty and staff recruitment and retention as enrollment numbers continue to grow. 
• Supporting competition and achievement through clubs and student activities, in addition to student-athletes through the University’s 26 athletic offerings. 

The A Time to Rise campaign reflects the ongoing positive momentum of Eastern, which has grown from approximately 3,000 students to 7,500 in four years. 2025 marks Eastern’s Centennial Year and will be spent celebrating the rich history of its roots and the lasting legacy of those who came before. It also marks a time of transformation for the University and an opportunity to propel forward into a flourishing future.

“This campaign will be the catalyst to a prosperous future at Eastern University,” said Luisa Wilsman, Vice President for Advancement. “The resources we will provide throughout the University, coupled with the positive momentum we are experiencing will be incredible. We are grateful for our dedicated community and look forward to joining together to support these different areas of focus on behalf of our students and their futures.”

To date, A Time to Rise has raised about 50 percent of its goal of $30M in gifts from donors, alumni, friends, outside foundations, and more. Eastern University invites you to join in building on the vision of a world where Faith, Reason, and Justice can bring people together and move forward.

To learn more about how your gift, of any size, can help transform the University, visit Eastern University or contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@eastern.edu.

Learn more at Eastern University. Eastern University is a Christian university enrolling approximately 7,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, with many programs available online.