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AMHERST, N.Y. -- ˿����Ƶ College President Gary Olson announced at the college’s annual Scholarship Gala that 95 percent of the goal has been reached for the Drive to 75 campaign, ˿����Ƶ’s first-ever comprehensive campaign and the most ambitious fundraising effort in its history.

The current total percentage raised for the campaign, which was publicly launched at the 2017 gala, represents an impressive 10 percent increase since last year.

The announcement was made at the gala held on Sept. 20 as part of ˿����Ƶ’s Founders Celebration. This year’s gala raised $30,000 for student scholarships and will contribute to the Drive to 75 goal to raise $22 million by 2022, the year the college will celebrate its 75^th anniversary.

“I am delighted to report that since our highly successful public launch, we have raised 95 percent of our campaign goal,” said Olson. “The unwavering dedication of our donors to ˿����Ƶ and to our students has been pivotal to reaching this milestone. In addition to supporting the educational goals of students, our supporters have shown their faith in our college’s progress and helped us rise to new heights.”

In making the announcement, Olson credited the generosity of Nancy Haberman Gacioch ’62 and her husband, Bill Gacioch, for making a gift at the gala that closed the gap for ˿����Ƶ to attain 95 percent of the Drive to 75 goal.

Also at the gala, Gabrielle Sinnott ’19, who received a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from ˿����Ƶ in May, talked about the great impact scholarship support had on her as a student.

“Receiving a Trustee Scholarship allowed me to afford an unparalleled education and to focus on making the most of my college experience,” said Sinnott, who is currently pursuing a master of public and international affairs as a foreign language and area studies fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. “I know that I would not be where I am today without the guidance and support I received from the ˿����Ƶ community.”

The gala also included the presentation of this year’s Community Excellence Award to Stuart Angert (pictured at right), a distinguished leader and supporter of the Western New York and Adirondack regions.

“Stuart’s passion and sustained commitment to our community will have a lasting impact throughout our region,” said Olson. “We are pleased to honor Stuart for his extraordinary efforts and for sharing his time, talents, and leadership with a number of organizations.”