In the 2025-2026 academic year, Quinnipiac’s philanthropic donor participation rose 6.1% from the previous year, breaking fundraising records as a total of 7,001 alumni, parents and students contributed. Building on this remarkable momentum, Quinnipiac’s Office of Development & Alumni Affairs is now the Office of Advancement, a name reflecting Quinnipiac’s dynamic identity today and its bold vision for the future.

While the name is new, it reflects a broader vision rooted in strengthening connections between Quinnipiac and the alumni, parents, families and friends who shape its future. By uniting meaningful relationships, philanthropy and partnership, the Office of Advancement works to advance the university’s mission and create opportunities for students, faculty, and the entire community, said Vice President of Advancement Nick Wormley ’00, MBA ’02.

“When people hear Office of Advancement, I want them to immediately think about momentum and a modern, relationship-driven enterprise focused on moving Quinnipiac forward. The name signals that philanthropy, engagement and partnership are all part of one unified effort to elevate Quinnipiac's future,” Wormley said.

During the 2025-2026 academic year, Quinnipiac’s record-breaking philanthropic donor participation was led by alumni involvement.

“Our alumni continue to be the driving force behind Quinnipiac’s philanthropic momentum,” Wormley said. “Their leadership this year shows how deeply they believe in the university’s direction and in the power of giving back to support the next generation of Quinnipiac students.”

Under President Marie Hardin's leadership, the spirit of advancement is evident across the university, Wormley said. In her inaugural year, Hardin prioritized community, connection, and belonging across Quinnipiac, focusing heavily on engaging students, alumni and community partners.

“Her vision and energy have inspired continued momentum and strengthened our collective focus on the future. Together, we are not simply growing; we are advancing,” Wormley said.

That advancement is reflected in Quinnipiac’s A+ financial rating from Forbes, which also named Quinnipiac among its top 100 colleges in America for 2026. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac at No. 51 among all colleges and universities in the nation, and U.S. News & World Report named Quinnipiac among the best universities in the country. Quinnipiac also earned a 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, honoring the university’s commitment to public service and meaningful community partnerships.

Quinnipiac’s record-breaking year for philanthropy was boosted by exciting events including a powerful annual Bobcats Unite Day of Giving, when the university community shattered expectations by raising over $1.5 million, surpassing its $1.25 million goal. On March 26, 2026, a dedicated network of 1,166 students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends joined forces to make Bobcats Unite a historic success. Community involvement reached new heights through peer advocacy as passionate supporters inspired others to contribute, generating 130 gifts and more than doubling the previous year’s total.

The Quinnipiac Fund serves as the foundation of Bobcats Unite, driving opportunities across the university. As one of the most impactful ways to give, annual contributions to the Quinnipiac Fund directly support scholarships, financial aid, faculty excellence, and the hands-on learning experiences that define a Quinnipiac education.

Breaking another fundraising record in 2025-2026, the second annual “Quinnipiac Gala: A Night for the Ambitious,” raised $1.8 million for scholarships and the Quinnipiac Fund. The April 17, 2026 event united 200 trustees, alumni, faculty, staff and friends around a single, powerful mission: investing in the future of Quinnipiac students.

Quinnipiac also continues to innovate in driving opportunities for philanthropy. In the past year, the Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) was formed and is already proving to be one of Quinnipiac’s most exciting investments in its future. By bringing together students passionate about community, the SPC uses events and active engagement to show that philanthropy isn’t an abstract concept reserved for alumni, but a value students can live right now.

From first-time donors to long-term legacy planners, Quinnipiac continues to honor its dedicated philanthropic community members across all levels of support through giving societies celebrating their ongoing commitment to investing in the university's future.

Guided by a shared vision and strategic priorities, Quinnipiac’s next chapter is taking shape through strong philanthropy that’s being spurred on by the momentum of the For the Ambitious campaign and the support of the Office of Advancement.

“As we move toward Quinnipiac’s centennial in 2029, the work of Advancement becomes even more important,” Wormley said. “Philanthropy and engagement are shaping the next century of Quinnipiac, and this year’s achievements show that our community is ready to meet that moment.”

Read our 2025-26 Impact Report to learn more.