Richard Schulze, co-chair of the “Opening Doors” capitol campaign, celebrates surpassing the half million-dollar fundraising goal. The university announced Wednesday that it had raised $515,104,733 in the five-year campaign.

Lee Anderson listens to a dinner companion at Wednesday’s celebration. Anderson and his wife Penny’s $60 million gift launched the campaign and supported the construction of three brick and mortar projects.

A student walks into the Anderson Students Center, one of the three most visible effects of the capitol campaign. The student center, parking facility and Anderson Athletic and Recreation Center all bear the name of St. Thomas trustee Lee and his wife Penny Anderson.

Fr. John Malone and Carol Bruess entertain the crowd as emcees for Wednesday’s celebration. Bruess said the more than 43,000 donors represent the entire St. Thomas community.

Rows of deserts sit on serving platters before being brought out to guests. Three courses were served to the more than 650 people who attended the event

Servers peek inside the dinning area to get a glimpse of the action. The entirety of the celebration featured a multimedia production with messages from students, alumni, faculty, and others impacted by the campaign.

Faculty, staff, and students perform a dance and musical number for guests. The festival choir and symphonic wind ensemble also performed in thanks for the contributions of donors.

John Morrison, “Opening Doors” co-chair, reflects with Dease on the generosity of donors to the capitol campaign. “A society grows great when people plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit,” Morrison said.