December 2025

Texas Wesleyan University Makes History: Completes Largest Comprehensive Campaign, Surpassing $40 Million

FORT WORTH, Texas — In a historic achievement for its 135-year legacy, Texas Wesleyan University has completed its Engage. Inspire. Invest. capital campaign. In less than five years, the university surpassed its $40 million goal directly impacting students. This milestone marks one of the most successful fundraising efforts in the University’s history and underscores its enduring mission to provide students with a smaller, smarter, and more impactful education.

“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. Together, we turned vision into reality and in doing so, built a stronger foundation for generations to come,” Glenn Lewis, president of the Texas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.

Launched in 2021 under the Engage2025 strategic plan, the campaign united alumni, donors, and friends in support of academic excellence, campus growth, and community revitalization. The initiative exceeded every measure of success, positioning the University for continued innovation and student success for decades to come.

The lead gift from Board of Trustees member Karen Cramer propelled the campaign forward with a renewed focus on students. “At the heart of Texas Wesleyan are students who work hard, dream big, and deserve every chance to succeed. This lead gift is a commitment to them, our students and their futures, their ambitions, and the lives they will impact. I’m grateful to have initiated this campaign that puts students first. With this gift, I hope others across Fort Worth and the region will join our mission in transforming lives through education."

The campaign’s historic completion was made possible through a final and generous gift from honorary alumna and trustee Lou Baker Martin, whose contribution helped Texas Wesleyan surpass its fundraising goal.

“My family’s connection to Texas Wesleyan spans generations, and it has been an honor to continue the vision my grandfather and father helped shape. Their service on the Board of Trustees reflected a belief that higher education could transform both lives and communities. 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,” Lou Baker Martin said.

President Dr. Emily W. Messer added, “As the largest capital campaign in our university’s history, this is a defining moment for Texas Wesleyan. 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. Their generosity ensures we can continue transforming lives through academic rigor, meaningful connections, and a commitment to service.”

The campaign focused on four specific areas to enhance and enrich the Texas Wesleyan University learning experience. Below outlines the campaign impact and investment.

· Endowment Support: Raised $4.7 million, strengthening long-term scholarships, faculty development, and academic programs through new and expanded endowments. Additionally, this support bridged the financial gap for students who are in need. This allows for improved student retention each academic year.

· Programmatic Support: Generated $18.8 million to fund scholarships, student retention strategies, technology upgrades, and community partnerships.

· Athletic Excellence: Raised $13.7 million toward the University’s athletic expansion, including the Moritz Fieldhouse and Karen Cramer Stadium, which are projects designed to foster student-athlete success and neighborhood revitalization. The University continues its fundraising for efforts to expand facilities including the Karen Cramer Stadium.

· Facility Enhancements: Reached 100 percent of its goal with $3.6 million in upgrades, supporting the Nurse Anesthesia Simulation Center, Ella C. McFadden Science Center, and Nicholas Martin Hall.

“Our donors have made history right alongside us,” said Michele Boillotat, Vice President of Advancement. “Their commitment reflects not only faith in our University vision but also a shared belief in the power of education to change lives and contribute to Fort Worth and beyond.”

The Engage. Inspire. Invest. Campaign reinforces Texas Wesleyan’s momentum as it celebrates 135 years of impact while ensuring the University continues to shape lives for the next 135 years.