A successful fundraising campaign at Eastern University is opening new doors for students while reinforcing the university’s commitment to faith, education, and community impact.

Eastern’s “A Time to Rise” capital campaign, which began its public phase in May 2024, has exceeded its $30 million fundraising goal, raising a total of $30,029,132. The milestone is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of the university community, including alumni, supporters, faculty, staff, students, trustees, and families.

“A Time to Rise” serves as a consequential piece of Eastern’s five-year strategic plan that was set in motion in 2022. The vision of the strategic plan was to enlarge Eastern’s collective calling to inspire, innovate, and impact the world through Eastern’s missional values of faith, reason, and justice.

“We are profoundly grateful to God for the faithful guidance throughout this journey and deeply thankful to all of those who gave their time, treasure, and talent to this initiative,” said Eastern President Ronald Matthews. “This achievement is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community is united in purpose and grounded in mission.”

Eastern’s enrollment has grown from approximately 3,000 students to nearly 10,000 in just six years, underscoring the growing desire for a faith-rooted education that is excellent, accessible, and affordable. This remarkable growth has also created an increased need for expanded resources and support to sustain and enhance the student experience — needs that are being met in part through the “A Time to Rise” campaign. 

Funds from the campaign are continuing to support the lives and futures of students directly in four key areas: 

• Enhancing Eastern’s facilities and environment through strategic renovations and the expansion of academic buildings and athletic facilities. Examples included Templeton Hall, the new baseball field, and the recently announced gym expansion.
• Offering distinctive opportunities and experiences, ranging from study abroad programs and multiple educational modalities to increased scholarships and endowment, reflecting Eastern’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, as well as athletics through the university’s 27 athletic offerings. 

“Surpassing $30 million is a defining moment for Eastern — but the number isn’t the story,” said Michael Fedor, Eastern’s Vice President for Advancement. “The story is about a community that believes, as we do, that an education rooted in the love of Jesus Christ has the power to change lives. These gifts are a tangible expression of our shared commitment to students and a clear signal of what Eastern stands for: accessible opportunity, academic excellence, and a transformative higher education experience grounded in faith. To everyone who gave — thank you. You’ve moved this mission forward.” 

Learn more about how Eastern University exceeded the goal of its fundraising campaign, “A Time to Rise.”