Texas Wesleyan
In a milestone achievement marking its 135-year legacy, Texas Wesleyan University has completed its Engage. Inspire. Invest. capital campaign, surpassing its $40 million goal in less than five years and directly impacting students across campus, university officials said on Wednesday.
Launched in 2021 under the University’s Engage2025 strategic plan, the campaign united alumni, donors, and friends in support of academic excellence, campus growth, and community revitalization.
University leaders said the effort ranks among the most successful fundraising initiatives in Texas Wesleyan’s history.
“Reaching and exceeding our capital campaign goal is more than a financial milestone, it is affirmation of our community’s confidence in Texas Wesleyan’s mission, and a clear commitment to the future of our students, faculty, and campus,” said Glenn Lewis, president of the Texas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees. “Together, we turned vision into reality and in doing so, built a stronger foundation for generations to come.”
A lead gift from trustee Karen Cramer helped propel the campaign forward with a focus on students. “At the heart of Texas Wesleyan are students who work hard, dream big, and deserve every chance to succeed,” Cramer said. “This lead gift is a commitment to them, our students and their futures, their ambitions, and the lives they will impact.”
The campaign’s historic completion was secured through a final gift from honorary alumna and trustee Lou Baker Martin, whose contribution helped the university exceed its fundraising goal.
“Supporting this campaign is my way of ensuring that Texas Wesleyan — Fort Worth’s first higher education institution — continues to grow, thrive, and prepare the next generation of leaders,” Martin said.
Funds raised supported four key areas: $4.7 million for endowment support, $18.8 million for programmatic initiatives, $13.7 million for athletic excellence, and $3.6 million for facility enhancements.
“To complete a $40 million campaign ahead of schedule while exceeding the goal amount demonstrates the deep trust our alumni and partners have in our mission,” said President Emily W. Messer.