By: Jennifer Gunnels | June 1, 2022

On May 31, 2022, Butler Beyond: The Campaign for Butler University officially concluded as the largest and most successful philanthropic effort in Butler history. While final campaign numbers are still being calculated, Butler President James Danko announced at the Beyond Grateful celebration event in Hinkle Fieldhouse on April 23 that donors had contributed more than $263.5 million to the campaign, far exceeding the original $250 million goal. Gifts to the Butler Beyond campaign are advancing the University’s mission through new and enhanced campus infrastructure, an expanded scholarship endowment, and access to transformational new experiential learning opportunities and degree pathways for current and future Butler students.

Members of Butler University Chorale sing the Butler War Song.

Since publicly unveiling the Butler Beyond strategic direction and $250 million comprehensive fundraising campaign on October 5, 2019, the University has made significant progress toward its goals thanks to overwhelming support from Butler donors. Here’s a look back on this memorable era in Butler history, the impact of which will be felt for generations to come.

Milestone Moments During Butler Beyond:

  • March 2020: Butler University switches to remote learning for the remainder of the spring semester in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • June 2020: The Butler Giving Circle awards its inaugural community grant.
  • October 2020: In keeping with its founding values and ongoing efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, the University establishes a Hub for Black Affairs and Community Engagement in partnership with Professor of Political Science Dr. Terri Jett as Faculty Director.
  • Spring/Summer 2021: Butler and Ivy Tech establish statewide transfer agreements for students pursuing degrees in business, art & design, and education. 
  • March 2021: Thanks to recent enhancements to Hinkle Fieldhouse made possible by donor gifts, Butler University is selected to serve as a host site for the men’s 2021 NCAA March Madness tournament held entirely in the state of Indiana.
  • Summer 2021: Butler receives a $1 million grant from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation to fund renovations and upgrades to Clowes Memorial Hall.
  • Summer 2021: The new 44,000-square-foot Sciences Expansion building opens as Phase I of a $100 million investment in the University’s sciences facilities.
  • August 2021: Bill and Joanne Dugan Hall, which houses the Andre B. Lacy School of Business and the Office of Career and Professional Success, is named in honor of a significant gift from Bill Dugan ʼ51.
  • Fall 2021: With the help of nearly $13 million in grant funding from Lilly Endowment, Inc. through its initiative Charting the Future for Indiana Colleges and Universities, Butler establishes Butler Ventures as the home for three interconnected new units: the Butler Beyond Transformation Lab, the Division of Professional Studies, and the Education Venture Network.
  • September 2021: For the fourth consecutive year, Butler University is named the No. 1 Regional University in the Midwest, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings.
  • Fall 2021: The Butler Latinx Alumni Association is established, joining the existing Black Alumni Association and the LGBTQ Alumni Association, as the newest Butler identity community. 
  • Fall 2021: The University develops 10 additional three-year degree tracks, bringing the total number of programs to 40, allowing students to complete their degrees in three years.
  • Fall 2021: Butler welcomes the most diverse incoming class in its history, with 21 percent self-identifying as students of color and 18 percent stating they are the first in their family to attend college.
  • December 2021: The University begins construction on The Park, a 7,500-square-foot learning laboratory in the Sunset Avenue Parking Garage dedicated to esports and technology slated to open in fall 2022.
  • January 2022: Butler launches two new online master’s degree programs, a Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Data Analytics, and re-launches the Master of Science in Strategic Communication in collaboration with online program manager Noodle Partners.
  • February 2022: The Butler Beyond campaign surpasses its $250 million goal thanks to gifts from more than 34,600 donors.
  • February 2022: Butler confers the inaugural Ovid Butler Founder’s Award to Sigma Gamma Rho International Sorority, Inc. during their centennial year; subsequently announces Sigma Gamma Rho’s seven founders will posthumously receive honorary degrees during Butler’s Commencement Exercises on May 6. 
  • April 2022: The new sciences expansion building linking Gallahue Hall to the Holcomb Building is named Levinson Family Hall in honor of a $10 million gift from Frank ʼ75 and Kristin Levinson.
  • April 2022: The Butler community gathers in Hinkle Fieldhouse to celebrate the success of Butler Beyond: The Campaign for Butler University. President Danko announces donors have committed more than $263.5 million to the University.