ArtCenter Raises $124 Million, Largest in College’s History

ArtCenter South Campus in Pasadena (Photo – artcenter.edu)

ArtCenter today announced it surpassed its ambitious $100 million fundraising campaign goal with a total of $124 million raised.

During an era of significant growth for the College, a diverse group of donors contributed more than 7,000 gifts to increase scholarships, double the size of its South Campus facilities and build ArtCenter’s endowment.

Lorne M. Buchman, president of ArtCenter College of Design, said:

I am deeply inspired by the support we’ve seen for ArtCenter during this campaign…I am especially gratified with the success of our goal to increase scholarships for diversity and for creating broader access to an ArtCenter education.

During the campaign, annual donor scholarship funds increased 35 percent, to $2.3 million. About 70 percent of the 2,200 students enrolled at the College now receive some kind of financial aid.

Provost Karen Hofmann said:

Every student who is accepted to the College but cannot afford to attend deprives the world of high-potential talent. Scholarships enhance our ability to create a socio-economically and culturally diverse campus.

The College began the Accelerate Campaign focused entirely on enhancing the educational experience for students.

Since the 2011 campaign kick-off, ArtCenter has seen a significant increase in the number of students enrolled, along with growth of programs and physical facilities. During this time, the student population rose by 32 percent­ – from 1,500 to 2,200 – and the College launched ten new educational programs and tracks, including three graduate degree offerings.

Increased visibility in Pasadena

Meanwhile, the College increased its visibility in Pasadena in the last seven years with a 53 percent expansion of its overall physical footprint. Through strategic repurposing of existing adjacent properties, the South Campus has expanded from one to three buildings and now serves as the prominent landmark at the gateway into the city from the 110 Freeway. New facilities within this seven-acre parcel include dedicated studios for upper term students, maker spaces, student galleries and public exhibition spaces.

Source: artcenter.edu