New Orleans, LA– Today, Xavier University of Louisiana announced that it has raised more than $100 million, marking a significant milestone for its $500 million Centennial Campaign. The announcement comes as the university honors St. Katharine Drexel, foundress of the institution and patron saint of racial justice and philanthropy, and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament during Lent. This significant milestone also demonstrates the value of Xavier, not only as the nation’s only Black and Catholic institution of higher education but as one that invests in educating, empowering, and producing the nation’s next generation of leaders. 

“This important fundraising milestone is a testament to Xavier’s value as an institution that produces some of our nation’s most thoughtful leaders – leaders with the ability and intellect to take on our greatest challenges,” said Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Our generous supporters know that an investment in Xavier is not only an investment in our current students, but it’s an investment in social justice and the communities and the nation they serve.”

For nearly a century, Xavier University of Louisiana has been a driving force for students who believe in the power of higher education rooted in the values of service, equity, and social justice. The Association of American Medical Colleges recently named Xavier one of the top universities sending African Americans through medical school. Xavier remains one of the country’s leading producers of Black pharmacists and students continuing on to pursue doctoral studies in STEM disciplines. Xavier University of Louisiana was recognized as one of the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by the U.S. News Media Group.

The Centennial Campaign is built upon the university’s founding mission of creating a more just and humane society through education via four key initiatives: 

• Increasing Affordability & Access Through Financial Assistance: Xavier will ensure its transformative education is accessible to more students, regardless of income or socioeconomic status.
• Matching Our Campus to Our Potential: Xavier is committed to building infrastructure that enhances the student on-campus experience and reflects Xavier’s academic excellence.
• Investing in the Well-Being & Success of the Entire Student Body: Xavier is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential. 
• Recruiting and Retaining Exceptional Faculty & Expanding Academic Programs: Xavier will invest in a world-class faculty and an innovative and research-rich program to ensure graduates are ready to address the most pressing challenges of their communities.

“Xavier continues to solidify itself as an educational leader and option for young people looking to become trailblazers of tomorrow,” said Campaign Chair Gladstone Jones. “I am beyond confident that by surpassing this first campaign milestone, we are well on our way to reaching our total $500 million goal and setting up Xavier for its next century of excellence and triumphs.” 

To date, Centennial Campaign funds have helped to establish 48 new endowed scholarships, two new endowed professorships/chairs, 54 new annually funded scholarships, and 38 current use/endowed programs. Phase II of the Centennial Campaign is well underway with the objectives of growing Xavier’s endowment to $300 million, doubling the number of Black American graduates entering medical school, renovating and rejuvenating the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Convent, and exceeding the $200 million mark in contributions by the end of 2025.  

With the continued support of generous donors, Xavier will expand access to education, enhance academic offerings, and strengthen its dedication to fostering diverse and inclusive academic excellence. To learn more about the Campaign, please visit https://www.xula.edu/about/centennial.html.