With a highly successful campaign and the dedication of the Commons now complete, Arcadia’s Vice President for University Advancement, Nick Costa, is resigning his role here at the University.

Nick was brought on board at Arcadia in 2007 to spearhead what would become the most successful and largest campaign in the University’s history.

“Few—if any—organizations can match the warmth and caring…that special sense of community that is so visible at Arcadia,” Nick shared recently. “For me, building a campaign on the positive goodwill of the Board, alumni, faculty, staff and students was an exhilarating experience, and demonstrates what our University community, working together, can accomplish.”

Under Nick’s leadership, At Home & In The World: The Campaign For Arcadia achieved a number of milestones:

• A total of more than $30 million raised, compared to a $23.5 million goal;
• Funding for “the Commons,” a student center consisting of more than 100,000 square feet of new construction and renovated space;
• More than 40 new named and endowed student scholarships, which have expanded our endowment resources;
• The largest gift from an individual in our history, and record levels of  giving — by trustees, faculty and staff; and,
• Significant increases in giving by reunion classes, with several reunion class gifts as much as four to five times higher than in past years.

Nick was successful in all aspects of the Campaign from developing the case, budget and timeline, to soliciting gifts at all levels. He further commented, “My special thanks to Lois Haber, former Board Chair, for inspiring so many of us with her leadership and her gift to give the Campaign much needed momentum. To our Campaign Co-Chairs, many volunteers, and the nearly 5,000 contributors you have so much to be proud of. For decades to come, your success can be seen upon entering the Commons and in the successes of more than 40 students who are receiving scholarships as a result of the Campaign.”

At the completion of the Campaign, working with trustees and volunteers, he created the Gateway Society for those who contribute $25,000 per year to the Annual Fund, giving President Oxholm the opportunity to fund new initiatives that are not included in annual budgets.

President Oxholm noted the University will honor Nick at a celebration on March 1 at 2 p.m. on the second floor of the Commons, following his last Board of Trustees Advancement Meeting. His final day on staff will be March 2. Please join us in thanking him for his leadership in building Arcadia’s future.