Marymount Manhattan Awarded $1.5 Million Challenge Grant from The Kresge Foundation

This is the Day is the most ambitious campaign in Marymount Manhattan’s history and is driven by three themes: (1) to increase student access through expanded need-based financial aid, (2) to enhance the learning environment by making strategic improvements to the College’s facilities and (3) to promote academic excellence among our faculty. The Kresge Foundation grant marks a significant stride forward in the campaign, which is already past the midway point towards a $25 million goal.

According to President Judson R. Shaver, “The College embarks upon This is the Day secure in the knowledge that our goals are strategic and attainable, thanks to the unwavering support of alumni and friends throughout our history. Achieving these campaign goals will attract, retain and support a talented and diverse community of students, faculty and staff.”

The new Lowerre Family Terrace, a 5,000 square foot “urban quad” on the rooftop above the Theresa Lang Theatre, connecting the third floors of the Main and Nugent buildings, will provide a unique venue for the entire MMC community to enjoy. The rooftop terrace reflects the efforts of the College to creatively and effectively optimize available space while expanding facilities.

“We applaud your efforts to build paths of opportunity within your community,” says Rip Rapson, president of The Kresge Foundation. “Ensuring the health and vitality of nonprofit organizations such as yours is central to building strong, vibrant communities. We are proud to help advance your very important work.”

The Kresge Foundation supports communities by helping build infrastructure in nonprofit organizations. Their challenge grant program is designed to support institutional growth and long-term sustainability through facility improvements, including construction, renovation and capital projects. In 2006, the Foundation approved 230 grants throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa, totaling $152 million. 

To visit the Web site for, This is the Day, the campaign for Marymount Manhattan, click here.

Published: March 25, 2008