Jamestown (UJ) – The University of Jamestown accomplished a fundraising challenge initiated by donor Jack Schuler.

The parameters of the challenge included fundraising $1 million toward endowment, which would be matched for a total of $2 million, only if the funds were raised in a single year.

“When Mr. Schuler approached us with this matching gift opportunity, it challenged the University to step up our efforts for endowment,” explained Brett Moser, VP of Development and Alumni Relations. “This was a unique opportunity for donors to receive matching funds, dollar-for-dollar.”

The University kicked off its fundraising campaign and successfully raised $1 million in just eight months–a shocking four months earlier than their goal completion date.

“When matching dollars are involved, we’ve found that donors feel more compelled to give, because they know their dollar is extending further,” explained Moser. “We are so grateful to Mr. Schuler for the impact this campaign will have on the lives of our students and the future of the University.”

The University reported that 271 donors, of which 28 were considered new donors, participated in this campaign. Moser believes these new donors felt compelled to give because they could double their impact for student scholarships.

“A gift of $50 becomes $100. Likewise, a gift of $50,000 becomes $100,000,” said Moser. “That difference is striking, especially considering endowed scholarships at UJ start at $10,000.”

Moser explained that this campaign made participating in endowed scholarships a possibility for donors who value the impact these scholarships have on future generations, but potentially lack the means to reach that endowed level.

Jack Schuler, brother of UJ alum and trustee George Schuler, is the founder of The Schuler Education Foundation which supports educational opportunities for students who demonstrate high potential and motivation to attend college but may lack the financial means to attend without the scholarship support.

President Dr. Polly Peterson expressed her gratitude to the Schuler brothers, explaining how this challenge arose.

She said: “George has been an incredible visionary for our university, initially as a young member of the Alumni Association, followed by his extensive tenure as a Trustee. As the University has expanded its programs to include professional opportunities in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, he humbly recognized his brother Jack, whose early success originated from his start as an engineer. Jack’s gift provided inspiration to our alumni and friends who rose to his challenge by establishing and growing the University’s commitment to providing an affordable private education through scholarship.”