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Lehman College launches $90 million "Forever Forward" campaign after $30 million gift

Lehman College · February 4, 2026

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Summary

Lehman College formally launched its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, 'Forever Forward,' announcing a $90,000,000 goal by its 60th anniversary (target date 06/30/2028), noting a prior $30,000,000 gift from Mackenzie Scott and $60,000,000 already raised.

Gary Assebeck, a Lehman College alumnus and longtime Bronx broadcaster, opened the public launch of Lehman College’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, "Forever Forward," and described the effort as aiming to "fuel academic excellence, boost student success and accelerate social mobility." Assebeck said the college plans to raise $90,000,000 by its sixtieth anniversary and that $60,000,000 has already been secured.

The campaign’s public kickoff highlighted a major philanthropic milestone. "In December 2020, Mackenzie Scott chose Lehman College as the recipient of an unprecedented $30,000,000 contribution," Assebeck said, describing that gift as the cornerstone of the Forever Forward effort and a catalyst for renewed fundraising. Beth Leath of the Carol and Milton Petrie Foundation noted her organization’s long-running support for student grants and described why the foundation focused resources on public colleges in New York City.

Officials framed the campaign as focused on direct student impact. The event outlined expanded scholarships, new student and academic support programs and capital improvements intended to strengthen Lehman’s role in The Bronx and across New York City. Assebeck described increases in scholarships and student aid and noted new academic programs launched in recent years.

The college placed the campaign goal in a specific timeline: the $90,000,000 target is tied to the college’s sixtieth anniversary date (given at the event as 06/30/2028). Organizers asked alumni and community partners to support targeted priorities, including endowed professorships and programmatic support that speakers said will help Lehman move faster toward a research designation and expanded external funding.

The event concluded with a public call to action and on-site alumni activities. Organizers said additional events and donor engagement opportunities will follow as the campaign progresses.