(September 2, 2014)

Centenary ends fiscal year with strong support, financial rating

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College ended its fiscal year on June 30 with a high level of donor support. The College raised over $7,500,000. This impressive total represents the largest amounts raised by the College in the past five years, with the majority of gifts directly benefitting students through scholarships.

"Without my scholarship, I wouldn't be able to attend Centenary," said Lauren Benoit, a junior from Lafayette majoring in Music Education. "Centenary has offered me many leadership opportunities and many ways to grow as a musician and future music educator."

Centenary's annual giving campaign included the $1,000,000 Lady and Gent Challenge. A group of anonymous donors in the Centenary community pledged $500,000 to encourage others to make a commitment in support of the college. The challenge was matched and exceeded, generating $1,000,000 in unrestricted support.

"Our annual giving total is a tangible sign of the commitment that our supporters have made to Centenary College and to students like Lauren," said Fred Landry, Vice President for Advancement. "Donors provide a powerful endorsement of the rigorous liberal arts education and leadership preparation offered at Centenary."

Centenary's overall financial position continues to be strong. Forbes named the College a "Top 100" Southern college in its annual "America's Top Colleges" national ranking released at the end of July, and also gave Centenary the highest financial grade of any Louisiana college or university.