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Dear Explorers and friends,

This is an ideal time to express gratitude, as we transition from celebrating Thanksgiving into the Christmas and holiday seasons.

Many thanks to the Christian Brothers, who have helped La Salle launch a yearlong fundraising initiative with a truly selfless act of philanthropy. I also owe thanks to our elected officials in Pennsylvania, who awarded us a transformational seven-figure grant that will enhance the campus experience for our students.

In recent weeks, our students received recognition for their engagement at the polls and a social work faculty member has earned a global honor for curricular innovation. One of our first-generation students celebrated a first; a group of La Salle students served early Thanksgiving meals to the local police officers who protect our community; and Explorers everywhere united in record numbers to make a difference on Giving Tuesday.

There’s certainly much to be thankful for, both on our campus and within our community.

Sincerely,

Daniel J. Allen, Ph.D.

President

Challenge accepted

During Inauguration Weekend, I introduced the launch of the Charter Challenge. This yearlong fundraising initiative, when achieved, will have raised $10 million in support of the academic and campus experiences for our students. We begin with significant momentum, thanks to a $3 million lead gift from the Christian Brothers. 

Support from the Commonwealth

La Salle received a $3.5 million grant award from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fund investments in campus infrastructure and facilities that will enhance campus life for our students, including in the areas of health and wellness. My thanks belong with Pennsylvania Senator Art Haywood, with whose help we achieved this outcome. 

First-gen success

Each year, NASPA reserves Nov. 8 as a day to recognize and celebrate the success of first-generation students. Roughly 30% of our students are the first in their families to attend a four-year college. One of them, marketing and finance major Alexis Sanchez, ’25, is the first woman to serve as our University mascot in at least seven years. 

Global recognition

A faculty member from our Department of Social Work received a global designation for her contributions to international social work education. This achievement validates the conceptual, curricular, and programmatic innovations of our rigorous programs. 

Giving back and giving thanks

Each year, our students deliver and serve an early Thanksgiving dinner for the Philadelphia Police precincts that serve our campus and neighborhood. I was proud to recognize these first responders, including Captain Austin Fraser, and join our students on their visit to the 14th District. 

Scoring well in the midterms

In November’s election, La Salle ranked among the country’s top campuses for student voting. That’s according to the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, which evaluates institutions on how they educate their students on civic engagement and provide resources to encourage involvement.