Elmira College Starts New Year Fueled by Fundraising Success and Large Incoming Enrollment

Elmira College begins the 2024-25 academic year having surpassed its fundraising goals by 27% and by welcoming the largest number of new students in the past 10 years. The 304 new first-year and transfer students are bringing renewed energy and setting the stage for a transformative year at the College.

“These successes affirm that our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan is steering us in the right direction. The plan provides a clear roadmap to address the challenges facing higher education, especially for smaller institutions like Elmira College,” said Dr. Charles Lindsay, President of Elmira College.

Between July 1, 2023, and June 31, 2024, EC raised $1,871,255, which helps to fund scholarships for students, unique learning experiences, facility improvements including the new turf field, and more. Notably, the College’s annual Elmira Everlasting fundraiser set a new record with 590 gifts totaling $135,000.

“Our alumni, friends, employees, and students inspire me daily with their generosity,” said Paula Lee Hobson, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Engagement. “Their contributions make a tangible difference for our students, faculty, and staff by investing in both our current needs as well as our future growth. They ensure that our cherished traditions will thrive for years to come.”

Beyond enhanced fundraising efforts, bold initiatives sparked significant interest in the College, including new academic programs that blend liberal arts with professional skills employers are seeking, a new Turf Field that expands athletic and campus life opportunities, and initiatives like Take Flight, which increases access and affordability for New York State students with limited financial resources.

Referred to as the Impressive Class of 2028, the incoming class comes from 22 states and territories and 12 countries. Together, with returning students, they form an EC student body that draws from 40 states and territories and 25 countries. The Impressive Class of 2028 is truly impressive with a combined average GPA of 3.3.

“We’re proud to welcome such a large and diverse group of students this year and look forward to watching them grow,” said Patrick Gillette, Director of Admissions. “Elmira College offers much, and we’ve successfully showcased EC’s unique qualities to new audiences both locally and globally.”

Last year, EC partnered with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) to launch a unique, dual admission accelerated six-year Bachelor of Science (BS) to Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program. This innovative program helps train medical professionals more quickly and attracts highly motivated students. Twelve students from across the country joined EC this fall through the program. EC also introduced Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Esports and Gaming Administration, Fashion Business Generalist, Forensic Science, Social Justice, and Social Work programs while strengthening and increasing articulation agreements with other schools. These efforts provide students with direct pathways to growing career fields.

“The Take Flight program has been significant and helped us reach families who might otherwise have overlooked a private college they thought would be out of their reach financially,” said Gillette. “Some students who first learned about EC through Take Flight fell in love with the College and chose to enroll, even though they didn’t qualify for the full benefit.”

“It is exhilarating to welcome so many new students from around the country and the world who bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the Campus,” said Lindsay. “Their presence represents the hard work and collaboration of the whole campus community, from our Marketing and Admissions teams to the athletic coaches and dedicated faculty as well as current students who help by sharing what makes Elmira College so unique and special.”