Lucy Musto and faculty members were determined to get 924 people to donate money to the university, and they surpassed their goal: There were 937 donors as of Oct. 7, and more people are expected to donate. 

Musto,  assistant director of development, recently sent out a letter asking alumni and other members of the community to pitch in. She said the university is still receiving gifts.

Amy Lingobardo, assistant director of alumni and donor relations, said every dollar donated to the school can help. Funds go to scholarships, and those scholarships ensure that students won’t have to take out loans they’ll require them to pay interest charges.

Musto said a high percentage of students receive financial aid, and fundraisers like the 924 Challenge make scholarships available.

Donations can be earmarked to a specific program, or they can go into the Misericordia Fund, which is a general fund that can be used for scholarships, campus improvements, and other needs. 

The 924 Challenge is one way the campus is celebrating its 90th anniversary. The numbers 9, 2, and 4 are very important to the institution because Misericordia was founded in 1924 and actually opened its doors to students on September 24.