Philanthropy Powers the Future at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Donors Contributed More Than $9.4M to Support Students in Fiscal Year 2026

BALTIMORE, Md. — Every gift to Notre Dame of Maryland University represents more than a financial contribution—it is an investment in students and a mission that has transformed lives for more than 130 years. That spirit of giving fueled one of the University’s strongest fundraising years to date.

In fiscal year 2026, NDMU alumni, friends, faculty, staff, foundations, and community partners contributed more than $9.4 million to support students – a top 5 fundraising record. That achievement comes a year after donors gave more than $11 million, the University’s third-largest fundraising effort.

“Notre Dame of Maryland University is a special place in the hearts of many of our donors,” said Dr. Carroll D. Galvin, vice president for institutional advancement & university communications. “We are profoundly grateful to every donor whose generosity is shaping Notre Dame’s future and ensuring that generations of students have access to the exceptional educational experience that defines us.”

Most of the funds raised support student scholarships, including $1.8 million in endowed scholarships, to increase access to an NDMU education and make college more affordable. Donor support lifted the Notre Dame Fund over its annual goal by 40%. NDMU completed a two-year, $4 million campaign to renovate Fourier Hall with private gifts to match state funding. Fourier Hall houses the Business & Economics, Art Therapy, and Art departments and reopened with upgraded classrooms and labs in time for the fall 2026 semester.

Building a Culture of Philanthropy

The record fundraising year illustrates how NDMU supporters are propelling the University’s mission to new heights through their giving. A groundswell of support for the Notre Dame Fund came from 462 donors whose gifts totaled under $1,000 each. Annual support for the Notre Dame Fund ensures that NDMU can continue to provide a transformational education for students.

Many donors increased their giving last fiscal year and joined the Gator Guild, a dedicated community of alumni and friends who advance NDMU’s mission with gifts of $250 or more. New Gator Guild members represent a growing number of NDMU supporters who are looking to make a bigger impact.

“The extraordinary generosity of our alumni, friends, faculty, staff, foundation partners, and community supporters is a remarkable vote of confidence in the enduring value and significance of a Notre Dame of Maryland University education,” said President Abagail Van Vlerah. “Each gift reflects a shared belief that higher education prepares students for lives of purpose and that NDMU’s mission of educating leaders to transform the world has never been more important.”

Investing in the Future of Learning

The $4 million investments in Fourier Hall have transformed it into a 21st century learning hub, with the addition of new labs and classrooms to promote real-world experience in business, art therapy, and art. The new spaces include a Wall Street-style Finance Lab, professional boardroom, Art Therapy Simulation Lab, upgraded photography rooms, and a reimagined Gormley Gallery. A refresh of the historic Fourier Library will create additional space for large meetings and events, with technology for multimedia presentations and updated lighting.

One of the most prominent additions, the state-of-the-art Finance Lab, features a Wall Street-style ticker, with real-time access to market data that mirrors the world’s top trading firms. Business students will hone their skills in a specialized environment that will prepare them for internships and ultimately, careers driving innovation and economic growth.

The new Art Therapy Simulation Lab is a clinical practice space designed for students to practice and observe simulated art therapy sessions, role plays, assessments, and other clinical interactions, followed by faculty feedback and reflection. The lab will support clinical teaching and supervision by allowing closer observation of therapeutic communication, art-making processes, group dynamics, and developing professional skills. It also expands the Art Therapy Department’s capacity for faculty and student research involving observation, recording, arts-based inquiry, and other forms of data collection that benefit from a controlled setting. NDMU has the distinction of having Maryland’s first bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in art therapy – the graduate art therapy program is the state’s first nationally accredited program.

An expansion of Gormley Gallery provides additional space for large-scale art exhibitions for professional and student shows, and updates to Fourier Library create a modern event venue for the NDMU community and the public. All the upgraded academic spaces will enhance student learning by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-life application.

Advancing Student and Faculty Research

Donors contributed more than $100,000 to create NDMU’s Student Research Fund – the first endowed fund dedicated solely to student researchers – which underscores the importance of experiential learning. The new fund will expand student access to interdisciplinary research by covering conference fees, travel, and other related expenses.

Participating in research helps distinguish NDMU students in an increasingly competitive, global workforce. Faculty mentors encourage students to engage in meaningful research, hone critical thinking skills, and share their discoveries. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to participate in research, showcase their work, and receive recognition for outstanding achievement at the annual Nancy Kreiter Research Day.

A new Faculty Scholarship & Research Fund, also established with donor funds, promotes NDMU professors’ academic endeavors to explore their interests, advance their fields, and uncover new breakthroughs. Many NDMU faculty regularly engage in research activities and encourage students to work alongside them – whether in the classroom or through independent study.

The unmatched dedication of NDMU supporters continues to create opportunities for students and sustain NDMU’s future for years to come.

Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best “Regional Universities North” by U.S. News & World Report.