Frequently Asked Questions

The decision to give generously must be based upon the most complete information available. Additional questions are encouraged. We want you to have all the information necessary to make a thoughtful and proportionate investment in the University Campaign. Please contact us at any time for further information.

What is the University Campaign?

The University Campaign is a comprehensive campaign to build a student dining hall and an athletic complex as well as to strengthen Lourdes’ academic programs through endowed chairs, professorships and scholarships.

How will the campaign help students?

The comprehensive campaign assists students through four initiatives.

• Endowed chairs and professorships provide Lourdes faculty with the needed funds to strengthen their academic disciplines and provide all students with an enhanced learning experience.
• Endowed scholarships fund financial aid for students who need assistance with the cost of their tuition.
• Expanding Café Lourdes will fulfill the students’ need for a more comprehensive dining hall that accommodates students whether they are seeking a nutritious sit-down meal, a quick healthy snack, looking for additional study space or gathering with their peers.
• Constructing an Athletic Complex allows our growing population of student athletes and the general Lourdes Community to participate and cheer on our Gray Wolves in a home facility.

Who authorized the campaign?

After a thorough review of Lourdes academic programs and student life offerings, the Administration of Lourdes, with the approval of the Board of Trustees and the General Council of the Sisters of St. Francis, authorized the comprehensive campaign.

Who is leading the campaign?

The campaign’s leadership team comprises a nucleus of Lourdes administration and employees along with trusted friends and respected community leaders. The campaign cabinet includes Joe Nachtrab, Chair of Lourdes’ Board of Trustees, along with Trustees Bill Carroll, Tom Geiger, Dick LaValley Jr., Jim Murray and Larry Ulrich. Lourdes has always focused on the student and the institution’s mission.

Will this campaign change the focus of Lourdes?

The University Campaign is focused on our students – both academically and in their entire student life experience. All of the funds raised will be used to enhance these programs.

Can I designate my donation for a particular initiative of the campaign?

There are special naming opportunities, and endowed funds available, whereby donations can be designated for a particular initiative.

How much should I give?

No one can presume to tell another how much to give. Successful implementation of the campaign initiatives, however, will require greater sacrifice and commitment than ever before from all who believe in the Lourdes mission and the transformation of the lives of Lourdes students. We ask that your contribution is made with thoughtful consideration. A gift that is personally significant will be meaningful to Lourdes and to the success of our campaign. 

May my contribution be in the form of a pledge?

Because of the significance of our goals, we encourage you to consider a three to five-year pledge. We welcome the opportunity to visit with you to design a gift that meets your philanthropic goals. We would be happy to also discuss with you planned gift opportunities
that may allow you to stretch your giving. Please see our sample pledge form.

Will Lourdes accept stock, real estate, or gifts-in-kind
(non-cash)?

Lourdes accepts stock and in-kind gifts. Real estate gifts may also be accepted after the review and approval for such gifts. There are many instances where stock or real estate that has been held for many years or inherited has a very low tax base. If sold, it could create a significant tax obligation.

By giving property to Lourdes, you can avoid capital gains tax on the investment and can receive a charitable deduction equal to the present value of the gift. Details can be provided on an individual basis from the Advancement office. Your financial advisor, in working with Lourdes, can determine what type of gift may best benefit your financial position.

To reach my charitable wishes, I am considering a lifetime commitment such as a gift annuity, trust, insurance or even a bequest. Will such commitments be included in campaign gifts?

Planned gifts are a welcome gifting strategy for our campaign. Reporting standards require both present value and future value to be declared. Special circumstances require individual decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes. Lourdes is a 501(c)3 organization. You will receive a receipt when your gift or payment is received. You bear the responsibility to verify your gift when filing your tax return.

I work for a matching gift company. Will you count the company’s match toward the campaign?

Yes. Matching gifts received from an employer will be counted towards this campaign and you will receive recognition accordingly.

Who has given and how much has been raised?

We would be pleased to provide you with an up-to-date report on the progress of the campaign. All who are connected with Lourdes will be invited to participate in this very important campaign. Board members, faculty and staff, alumni, friends, corporations and foundations are generously supporting the University Campaign.

Where do I send my gift?

Please complete your pledge form and return to:

Lourdes University
Attn: University Campaign
6832 Convent Boulevard
Sylvania, Ohio 43560

If I have a problem, will I be obligated to fulfill my pledge?

Your pledge will enable us to make financial commitments necessary to implement the projects supported by this campaign. Should unfortunate circumstances develop, we encourage you to contact us immediately so that together we can determine a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Where does Lourdes receive its primary revenue to operate the institution?

Lourdes receives approximately 83% of its revenue from tuition. Remaining sources of revenue include contributions, private and corporate foundations and governmental grants.

How much is Lourdes investing in the campaign and is the money being taken from the endowment?

The total cost of the student dining hall, athletic complex and academic endowments is estimated to be $10 million. Lourdes is prepared to finance half of the cost of the construction and partner with the community to raise the remainder of the funds. We feel confident that the case for the Lourdes University campaign will ensure success.

How are donors going to be recognized?

All gifts will be celebrated, acknowledged and recognized in the Annual Report. Larger contributions will be recognized in several ways. A donation recognition area will include all major donors. In addition, commemoratives and naming opportunities will offer an opportunity to recognize leadership gifts. Donor receptions will be held to celebrate the generosity of our friends and supporters.

It is the goal of Lourdes to celebrate and honor all donors who wish to be recognized but also to ensure anonymity when requested.