Northwestern University announced on April 14 the launch of the Forever Shine Campaign, a fundraising effort aiming to raise at least $625 million for scholarships and supplemental programs benefiting undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students. This marks the university’s first institution-wide campaign focused specifically on student support.
The initiative is intended to increase access to higher education by providing financial assistance to students from low- and middle-income families. As of April 30, Northwestern has raised $251 million from nearly 24,000 donors. The campaign includes a significant gift from co-chairs Adam and Tonia Karr that will help fund student scholarships and expand mentorship programs like Beacon Scholars.
“Scholarships have the power to change lives and are essential to the University’s continued success,” said Interim President and President Emeritus Henry S. Bienen. “Visionary gifts from Adam and Tonia Karr and our generous community of supporters will help us give students every opportunity to shine at Northwestern and after they graduate.” Adam Karr added, “Financial aid is one of the highest-returning investments Northwestern can make. It changed the trajectory of my life, and Northwestern’s commitment to it is the reason I’m leading this effort today.” Tonia Karr said, “Together we can make sure that the door is open to all students who are qualified and motivated — and that they are able to make the most of the Northwestern experience.”
The university reports that in the current academic year it awarded more than $300 million in financial aid to over 4,000 undergraduates—a nearly 50% increase since 2019—with recipients coming from all U.S. states as well as several countries. The campaign seeks sustainable funding so most undergraduates whose families earn under $150,000 per year can attend tuition-free.
Programs such as Beacon Scholars provide mentorships, career resources, internships, and community programming for first-generation or lower-income undergraduates. Student Cydney Hope Brown credited these initiatives with helping her succeed academically: “Beacon Scholars has definitely helped me get the resources I need on campus…and just feel a sense of belonging.” Another student beneficiary, Alex Chavez ’26, used scholarship support for research fellowships related to environmental sciences.
Graduate-level financial aid also remains a priority; in this academic year alone about $600 million was distributed among more than 10,000 graduate or professional school students at Northwestern through various packages including full tuition scholarships.
Campaign committee members include alumni leaders such as Adam Karr (co-chair), Du Chai (trustee), Valerie Friedman (trustee), Purnima Puri (trustee), Keech Combe Shetty (alumna) among others—over sixty individuals have already committed at least $1 million each during an early phase called ‘quiet phase.’ Stacey Kostell urged further participation: “Your contributions will empower students to thrive today and for generations to come…by fostering a vibrant environment where everyone can excel.”
