For the Ambitious: The Power of a Gift

Through For the Ambitious, our first comprehensive campaign in university history, we’re boldly dreaming and building the foundation for the next 100 years. Every gift, no matter the size, creates a lasting impact that goes far beyond its value. Because when you support someone’s ambition, you help shape the future.

One veteran’s ambition found a path through giving

Elena Hernandez '25

A former combat medic and current National Guard officer, Elena Hernandez ’25 balanced military service and hospital work while pursuing Quinnipiac’s accelerated nursing program. When financial gaps threatened her path, our Veterans Memorial Endowed Scholarship kept her on course to earn her degree. 

“It’s hard going to school and being in the Army at the same time. There’s so much you need to figure out — classes, studying, finances. I’m extremely grateful for all the people who have helped me.”

Scholarship gave this athlete room to grow

Yasha Laskin ’24, MBA ’25

Yasha Laskin ’24, MBA ’25, came to Quinnipiac with both ambition and uncertainty. Scholarship support, our campaign’s top priority, gave him the freedom to compete on the men’s tennis team, lead in the Accounting Club and earn Beta Gamma Sigma honors. Today, he’s prepared for a future where he can give back and follow the example of donor support that encouraged him.

“Knowing that there are donors who believe in my future is a big inspiration for me to complete my goals. I am grateful to focus on my success without financial limitations.”

How generosity expanded one student’s world view 

Emily Farley ’24

Quinnipiac’s Study Abroad Fund allowed Emily Farley ’24 to spend 10 days in Guatemala — hiking a cloud forest, making tortillas by hand, and engaging deeply with another culture. Those moments, and the people she met, will continue to influence her perspective and shape her life for years to come.

“Donor generosity not only enriched my education but also inspired me to give back to communities. I will carry forward the lessons gained from this trip for the rest of my life.”

First in family, lifted by donor support

Jenny J. Lizarraga, MD ’27

Raised by a single mother in rural Arizona, Jenny J. Lizarraga, MD ’27, is the first in her family to attend college and now medical school. The lack of healthcare available for her grandparents and community inspired her to help underserved populations. Through the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine’s Million Reasons Why Scholarship, she can focus fully on her studies.

“Most students who get into medicine have had a lot of support, whether that’s financial or systems that champion their success. I didn’t have that. Removing that financial burden allowed me to enter the world as the resource my community needs.”

Every story defines what it means to be “For the Ambitious.” Click to read more.

Forging the next century of impact


As we approach 100 years of shaping lives, Quinnipiac’s next century will be defined by bold action — breaking down barriers, launching transformative programs and serving as a model of what higher education can achieve in a rapidly changing world.

Campaign Goal: $160 million
Launched in October 2024, For the Ambitious has already passed the halfway mark toward its goal.

The spirit of our campaign is guided by four priorities.

• $55 million to make education more accessible. So that all students can pursue lives of purpose.

• $50 million to advance academic offerings. The world is evolving. We are, too.

• $30 million to support faculty. Because exceptional teaching inspires breakthrough thinking. 

• $25 million for collaborative learning spaces. So that all voices are heard and curiosity thrives.



Your support is creating real change.

Record-Breaking Fall 2024 Bobcat Challenge: 
Providing support for all 21 Division I teams and spirit groups.

• $1M+ raised from more than 2,100+ donors with 100% student-athlete participation

Parents & Families 2025 Challenge Ignites Engagement: Strongest engagement ever.

• 574 parent donors (↑14.3% from 2024)

Bobcats Unite 2025: 

• More than $1M in 24 hours by 1,205 donors

A Culture of Giving Awakens on Campus:

New Faculty and Staff 2025 Campaign marks the first internal campaign in years while the Student Philanthropy Council engages 900 students — including 422 seniors making gifts — in a growing student led tradition. 

“Through the Student Philanthropy Council, I developed both personally and professionally. I got to see the value Quinnipiac had to offer more clearly after learning that so many people contribute to what makes Bobcat Nation so special.” Haley Wynne ’25, SPC Founding Member

“A week doesn’t go by where a Quinnipiac student doesn’t reach out to me. Any interaction that I've ever given, I've gotten it back 10 times more.” Brett Amendola ’91, Board of Trustees member and campaign committee chair

Learn more: For the Ambitious 2025 Impact Report.

At Quinnipiac, ambition is more than motivation.
It’s a movement. Make your gift today.