Help Lake Erie College Celebrate its 170th Anniversary

Since its founding in 1856, Lake Erie College has stood as a place of opportunity, transformation, and hope. Generations of students have come to this campus seeking a better future, and, with the support of those who believed in them, they created it. As we celebrate our 170th anniversary, we pause to celebrate this remarkable legacy and to look ahead with renewed purpose. 

Today, we are proud to launch Together We Rise: A Campaign for Lake Erie College’s 170th Anniversary—an ambitious effort to raise $17 million dollars in 2026 to strengthen the College and expand opportunities for the students who will shape our next century. 

From our earliest days as a women’s seminary to the vibrant, forward-looking institution we are today, Lake Erie College has never stood still. We have continually evolved to meet the needs of our students and our region, including adding new academic programs, building partnerships with employers, expanding scholarships, and creating hands-on learning opportunities that prepare graduates for meaningful careers. 

The world our students are entering is changing rapidly. They need not only strong academic foundations, but also practical skills, professional connections, and the confidence to lead. Through this campaign, we are investing in: 

• Scholarships that open doors for deserving students

• Innovative academic programs aligned with today’s workforce needs

• Modern learning spaces and campus improvements that enhance the student experience

• Endowment and unrestricted support that strengthen the College’s long-term future 

These priorities reflect both our heritage and our vision: a college that is deeply rooted in tradition yet boldly focused on what comes next. 

But the story of Lake Erie College has always been written by people—students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends—who believed in the power of education to change lives. The College we celebrate today exists because of their generosity and commitment. 

Now, it is our turn. 

As we mark this milestone anniversary, we invite you to be part of this defining moment. Please consider making a gift today. Your gift to the Together We Rise campaign will help ensure that Lake Erie College continues to provide life-changing opportunities for generations to come. 

Whether you support scholarships, academic innovation, campus improvements, or the area of greatest need, your contribution sends a powerful message: that you believe in our students, in our mission, and in the bright future of this institution. 

Together, we have built a proud legacy. 

Together, we are shaping tomorrow. 

Together, we rise.