Excelsior University Launches the Largest Capital Campaign in Its History

Officially launched as part of the institution’s Commencement Week activities, the Empower with Purpose campaign aims to raise $5 million to support student success.

by | Published julio 21st, 2026

Excelsior University President David Schejbal kicks off the public phase of the Empower with Purpose campaign at the Renaissance Albany DeWitt Ballroom on julio 8, 2026.

View video from the Empower with Purpose campaign launch dinner here. 

ALBANY, N.Y. – Excelsior University has launched the public phase of the largest capital fundraising campaign in its 55-year history. The Empower with Purpose campaign has already raised more than 80% of its $5 million goal, with $4.1 million secured.  

The public phase of the campaign launched with a dinner at the Renaissance Albany Hotel’s Dewitt Ballroom on julio 8, bringing together alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and community partners from around the country ahead of Excelsior’s Commencement ceremony. Funds raised through the campaign will support Excelsior’s promise to meet students where they are, especially those historically underrepresented in higher education.   

“The Empower with Purpose campaign is a continued commitment to Excelsior University’s mission to expand access, create opportunities, and transform lives through education,” said Excelsior University President David Schejbal. “Strengthening the support systems that help learners begin, persist, and complete their academic journeys contributes directly to student success. Together, we can empower future generations to achieve their goals through higher education.”  

Empower with Purpose campaign highlights to date include a $1 million legacy gift from renowned nursing educator and Excelsior emeritus professor Larry Purnell, the largest individual donation in the institution’s history; a transformational estate gift to support the College of Nursing and Health Sciences from Mary Beth Hanner; the establishment of 15 new endowed scholarships; immediate use funds from Arrow Financial Corporation, Broadview Federal Credit Union, CDPHP, High Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, KeyBank, the Massry Family, M&T Bank, and Upstate Commercial; and strong support from trustees and the Excelsior staff, faculty, and alumni community. These gifts are already providing support for new student scholarships, career readiness programs, military and veteran services, nursing workforce development including clinical partnerships, and engineering and technology program enhancements. 

Learn more at www.excelsior.edu/empowerwithpurpose.  

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ACERCA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD EXCELSIOR 

Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.   

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.  

Autorizada por la Comisión de Educación Independiente del Departamento de Educación de Florida (n.º de licencia 12928). Para obtener más información sobre esta institución, comuníquese con la Comisión en 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, número gratuito: (888)-224-6684.