Saint Mary’s College Launches Historic $200 Million Campaign
Saint Mary’s College announced the launch of a historic $200 million comprehensive fundraising campaign—the largest in the College’s 181-year history—designed to expand access, strengthen academic innovation, elevate women’s leadership, and invest in the future of a Catholic liberal arts education.
The campaign, titled Ring Out Ring True, becomes public as Saint Mary’s continues to defy national trends in higher education. Over the past several years, the College has experienced strong enrollment growth, record philanthropic support, and increasing national interest from students seeking an institution rooted in purpose, belonging, and values. At the same time, Saint Mary’s has expanded academic programming and experiential learning opportunities through the Avenue Experience, preparing students to navigate an increasingly complex world.
“Students and families are looking for more than a credential,” said Katie Conboy, President of Saint Mary’s College. “They are searching for meaning, mentorship, community, and an education that prepares graduates not only for successful careers, but for lives of impact. Saint Mary’s is meeting the moment.”
Nationally, faith-based colleges and universities have shown renewed resilience as students increasingly seek educational environments that foster both intellectual and personal formation. Surveys of prospective students continue to show growing interest in institutions that emphasize community, ethics, service, and wellbeing alongside academic excellence.
As one of the nation’s premier Catholic women’s colleges, Saint Mary’s occupies a distinctive place in the higher education landscape. Founded in 1844 and still sponsored today by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the College combines the breadth of a liberal arts education with leadership development, undergraduate research opportunities, global learning, and career preparation.
Higher education is facing an inflection point. This campaign is an investment in a model of education that remains deeply relevant: rigorous academics grounded in human dignity, ethical leadership, and the empowerment of women to lead in every sector of society.”
- Holly Johnson, Vice President for Advancement
Learn More About Ring Out Ring True
Campaign leaders say the $200+ million initiative will prioritize student scholarships, experiential learning opportunities, academic programming in high-demand fields, student belonging and faith development, and endowed support for faculty innovation.
More than $180 million of the campaign goal has already been secured through leadership commitments from alumnae, parents, and friends of the college.
“Higher education is facing an inflection point,” said Holly Johnson, Vice President for Advancement at Saint Mary’s. “This campaign is an investment in a model of education that remains deeply relevant: rigorous academics grounded in human dignity, ethical leadership, and the empowerment of women to lead in every sector of society.”
Saint Mary’s graduates continue to distinguish themselves in fields ranging from business and healthcare to public service, education, science, and the arts. The College consistently reports strong career outcomes and graduate school placement rates, supported by a growing emphasis on internships, professional mentorship, and experiential learning.
College leaders say the campaign reflects confidence not only in Saint Mary’s future, but in the enduring relevance of Catholic liberal arts education itself.
“In a culture increasingly shaped by individualism, divisiveness, and automation, students are drawn to institutions that help them think critically, lead compassionately, and live purposefully,” Conboy said. “That is the promise of Saint Mary’s College—and this campaign ensures that promise will continue for generations to come.”
June 7, 2026