On April 25, Taylor University welcomed over 600 strategic partners and alumni to campus for TUGather. This day-long celebration included dedications and ribbon cuttings for several major initiatives: Taylor’s School of Nursing and renovated academic center, a new wing and state-of-the-art equipment for the expanded ABET-accredited engineering program, and the PREACH Lab, designed to train current and upcoming generations of pastors.
TUGather has become a “spring homecoming” for the thriving Christian university. In addition to major contributors and stakeholders, the University welcomed 500+ grandparents of current students for the annual Grandparents Day, also held on April 25.
Exceeding Expectations
The new programs and facilities are part of an effort that has seen 40% of the Taylor campus renovated or newly built in the last three years.
The expansions have been made possible by a $500 million fundraising campaign that has far exceeded expectations. A comprehensive campaign was initially planned in 2022 with a goal of $175 million. But a year ago, the University’s leaders, encouraged by a surprisingly strong response from donors of all giving levels, reset the goal to $500 million, a phenomenal figure for a university of 2,800 students.
To date, Taylor has surpassed its fundraising goals for the University's timeline by more $28 million, for a total of $353 million. In 2024, gifts included one for $40 million, the largest in Taylor’s history, and two for $10 million each. But gifts to the Life to the Full campaign have been as broad as they’ve been big—with more than 16,000 contributors, most of them under $1,000.
Investing in Upland
TUGather also included an update on the Main Street Mile Initiative, a major revitalization effort Taylor is spearheading in partnership with the Town of Upland. In 2023, the University secured a $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. to catalyze more than $100 million in public and private investment in Upland. University leaders point to both practical and biblical reasons for investing in Upland. An economically rejuvenated town helps in attracting both students and faculty while also meeting the scriptural mandate to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you.” (Jeremiah 29:7).
“It’s amazing to see the vision that’s being cast for future generations, whether it’s the nursing program, engineering, or others that Taylor offers, which also not compromising on the community and the Christ-centeredness that makes this place special,” said Bryan Lake ‘02, a member of the Board of Visitors.
