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51����’s record-breaking Passion for the Climb fundraising campaign . It also caught the attention of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), one of America’s largest nonprofit educational associations.

After surveying data from 51����’s past three fiscal years, CASE named the university as one of its 2012 Circle of Excellence Award winners for overall performance in fundraising. More than 1,000 institutions were eligible for the honor, and only 13 liberal arts colleges made the grade. Fellow award winners included Amherst College, Middlebury College, and Williams College.

CASE does not accept applications for the award. Instead, a panel of judges independently considered the breadth and depth of 51����’s alumni support, patterns of improvement, and impact of giving. They commended the university for, “solid program growth, breadth in the base of support, and other indications of a mature, well-maintained program,” CASE noted in its judging criteria.

“This award recognizes a longstanding partnership between 51����, its alumni, and parents,” said Murray Decock ’80, vice president of institutional advancement. “We are fortunate to have that perfect combination of loyal graduates and committed advancement professionals.”

More than 80 percent of all alumni participated in Passion for the Climb, and they were joined by a significant number of parents and friends. Together, , the second largest campaign total raised by any U.S. liberal arts college. The university is celebrating its success, which has been reinforced through the Circle of Excellence award, at a series of campaign galas and receptions across the country during the Year of ’13.

“We look around every day and see the impact of advancement efforts and alumni generosity,” said President Jeffrey Herbst. “To know that our peers are taking note as well — that’s excellent and well-deserved news.”