Closing a Chapter

It is with mixed emotions that I write my last letter to you as the president of the Frostburg State University Foundation. While I have enjoyed my time serving in this role and am proud of the work we have collectively done for Forging Futures: The Campaign for Frostburg State University, I know that I am handing the reigns over to the highly capable current vice chair, Pat Friel ’88.

I would like to highlight some of the successes the Foundation has achieved over the past three years. As you know, we were in the “quiet phase” of our comprehensive campaign on July 1, 2020 when I became the president, and at that time we had raised a total of $11,702,968 towards our goal of $25 million.

Then on Sept. 15, 2021, we successfully launched the public phase of our campaign. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this launch was held virtually, but the pandemic didn’t slow the Bobcat community down in their support of the University and its students because by that point we had raised a total of $15,551,967 towards our goal from more than 10,000 donors.

As I write this letter on Feb. 9, 2023, I am proud to say that we have raised nearly $21.5 million for Forging Futures, and I am confident that by the time you read this publication, that number will have increased significantly. I am also proud to say that a significant portion of these funds has directly helped to “Forge the Future” of our students by increasing the number and amount of scholarships we can offer.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention last year’s first-ever Bobcat Giving Day as one of the Foundation’s success stories thanks to the support of more than $20,000 in challenges from Foundation board members. We more than doubled our goal of 500 total donors to unlock a $5,000 gift from the board in support of student scholarships, opportunity grants, and other FSU needs. The Children’s Literature Center also received an additional $10,000 for being the fund with the most donors. We ultimately raised over $145,000 from 1250 donors.

Don’t forget that this year marks 125 years for Frostburg State University as part of the Allegany County community! It’s hard to believe that from those humble beginnings in 1898, Normal School #2 evolved into what it is today, a regional comprehensive university that is part of the University System of Maryland. There are several celebratory events planned to mark this anniversary. We certainly hope that you can plan to attend some of these events to help us recognize one of our region’s anchor institutions and congratulate FSU for its 125 years of service to its students and the community.

In closing, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as the president of the FSU Foundation, and I look forward to continuing to support the university in whatever ways I can.

Thank you for your support.

Thank you,
Sandy Wyche Adams ’86