A Bright New Chapter for Mac

On January 28, our campus community gathered together for a celebration that brought some much-needed joy and warmth to these cold winter days. Fresh off our sesquicentennial milestone, we’re opening a new chapter as we build toward the college’s next 150 years—and we bundled up for a sparkling outdoor party to launch our bold new fundraising campaign, Brighter!

By design, the celebration centered our incredible students, who fuel my hope for our shared future. Every day, I see how our students are driven to build a more just and peaceful world, and their journeys are at the heart of Brighter’s ambitious vision. As we continue to implement our strategic plan, we’re dialing up what’s most distinctive about this place to ensure that a Mac education is irresistible for future generations. The Brighter campaign is focused on three priorities:  

• Opportunity: Continue to make a Mac education possible for the most talented and diverse community of students
• Distinction: Give every Mac student the fullest experience by doubling down on the strengths that make a Macalester education uniquely powerful—both in and out of the classroom
• Environment: Provide every student with the facilities, support, and connections they need to thrive

We built Brighter with input from thousands of alumni, students, faculty, and staff. And now, together, we’ll make this the most successful campaign in Mac’s history. Everyone’s connection to Brighter will look different, and every contribution counts. You can learn more about what’s in the works at macalester.edu/brighter, and we’ll share more details and ways to get involved this year and beyond. I look forward to hosting events for alumni and friends to engage with Brighter, beginning with Reunion 2025.

Whatever path is most meaningful to you, I am so grateful for your partnership in this work, and for the people who have cared for and shaped Mac over the college’s first 150 years. I can’t wait to see where we go from here, and all that we’ll accomplish together in the years ahead. Thank you for being a key part of Macalester’s bright future!

Go, Scots!

February 3, 2025

View photos from Brighter’s campus community celebration