2026
IMPACT REPORT
A Message From the President Dear Friends, Each year, I am reminded that the strength of Carthage is measured not only by our people, our programs, our campus, or our accomplishments, but by the generosity of those who believe in our students. A Carthage education is transformational, but for many students, it is only possible because someone they may never meet chose to invest in their future. Scholarships are more than financial assistance; they are an expression of confidence, encouragement, and opportunity. They allow students to focus on learning, discovering their passions, and preparing for lives of purpose rather than worrying about how they will afford the next semester. This year, your generosity opened doors for hundreds of students. Through annual scholarship support, you helped bridge financial gaps, making it possible for students to remain enrolled, pursue internships and research opportunities, study abroad, participate in campus organizations, and fully embrace the Carthage experience. Your impact during the 2025–26 fiscal year has been extraordinary. Together, the Carthage community raised more than $10 million in new commitments toward the Light that Travels campaign. The stories throughout this report demonstrate the profound impact of your generosity. You will meet students whose lives have been changed
OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT 800-551-1518 • carthage.edu/giving
by scholarship support: students who are preparing to become nurses, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders. Their success is made possible by your belief in their potential. As Carthage continues to grow, we remain committed to ensuring that a life-changing education is accessible to talented students from every background. Your support helps remove financial barriers and creates opportunities that extend far beyond graduation. The investment you make today will be reflected in the lives our graduates touch tomorrow. On behalf of our students, faculty, and staff, thank you for believing in the mission of Carthage College and for making scholarships a priority. Your generosity is changing lives, one student at a time, and strengthening the future of our College for generations to come. With gratitude,
John R. Swallow President and CEO
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2025-26 GIVING SUMMARY 1%
DONORS
1,632+
DONOR CATEGORIES
3,015
Anonymous
2%
48%
Foundations/ Businesses
Friends
2% Estate Gifts
7% Parents
27%
13%
Alumni
Faculty/Staff
NEW DONORS
CAMPAIGN RAISED MORE THAN
$10 MILLION
Campaign Progress $0
$94M
$100M
CARTHAGE GIVING SOCIETIES SUMMARY
Leaders in Philanthropy LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY members give $1,000 or more cumulatively to any area of the College in the current fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. Tiers within the society recognize higher levels of giving, and graduated giving levels are available for recent alumni. Membership is renewable annually. Trustee George Chardukian ʼ77 and Toni Chardukian
SCAN TO SEE OUR HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
ENDURING GIFT SOCIETY members have cumulative lifetime giving totaling $100,000 or more (exclusive of estate commitments). Tiers within the society recognize higher levels of giving. Membership is lifetime. ALFORD PARK LOYALTY SOCIETY members contribute any amount to the College for three or more consecutive fiscal years (July 1 through June 30). Tiers within the society recognize greater consecutive years of giving. Membership is renewable annually. DENHART SOCIETY members have made Carthage a part of their legacy through estate commitments, planned gifts, and endowments. Membership is lifetime. SUSTAINER recognizes donors who demonstrate ongoing commitment by setting up recurring gifts that provide steady, reliable support for Carthage.
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IMPACT REPORT
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS
A Legacy of Opportunity and Giving For the Semler family, supporting Carthage is more than a tradition; it is a meaningful investment in the lives and futures of our students. As a proud legacy family, they have demonstrated their commitment to the College through generous philanthropy, active involvement, and steadfast support of its mission. Building on that legacy, Loren W. ’96 and Karen (Vesely) ’96 Semler recently established a new annually funded scholarship to provide immediate assistance to students with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship gives preference to students pursuing degrees in business, engineering, the sciences, or education. As an annual scholarship, it will begin making an impact right away. It provides Student Financial Services with the flexibility to respond to students’ most pressing financial challenges, helping ensure that unexpected obstacles do not stand in the way of a Carthage education.
Trustee Loren W. Semler ’96 and Karen (Vesely) Semler ’96, parents of a 2025 Carthage graduate
While the assistance is immediate, the impact will be felt for years to come. Each recipient will have greater opportunity to pursue academic goals, discover new possibilities, and prepare for a meaningful future. Through this thoughtful gift, the Semlers are not only easing financial burdens, they are investing in the potential of Carthage students and extending a family legacy of generosity that will continue to shape lives for generations.
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Finding Home and Purpose at Carthage Aaron Payne’s path to Carthage began unexpectedly with a simple online search. Drawn in by the campus's majestic lakefront views and small class sizes, he applied and participated in the Presidential Scholarship interview process. It was during those interactions with the community that everything clicked, giving him a deep sense that he had found his home.
Majors History Elementary Education
For Aaron, scholarship support opened doors to life-changing experiences. As an aspiring educator and historian, he has observed classrooms at local Kenosha schools, traveled to Chicago Public Schools with his Urban Education class, and conducted research in diplomatic history through the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program. Beyond academics, working on campus helped him build strong professional communication and interpersonal skills.
Hometown Farmington, Illinois
Aaron recognizes that none of this would be possible without donor generosity.
A ARON PAYNE ’28
“Your support doesn’t just change the life of a student — it changes our entire lives. Your support extends beyond the classroom and the knowledge we acquire. Your support shapes who we are, who we want to be, and who we will become.” In just two short years, Aaron will achieve his dream of standing at the front of a class of his own. As he prepares to step into the role of an educator, Aaron carries with him a profound realization: His impact on future students will be a direct extension of the belief, support, and light the Carthage community invested in him.
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IMPACT REPORT
Annual Scholarships Support Student Involvement Students interested in pursuing careers in law, criminal justice, politics, public policy, or advocacy will find exceptional preparation through Carthage’s Mock Trial program. This realistic simulation of a jury trial allows students to act as attorneys and witnesses for both plaintiff and defense cases, competing under official evidence rules while being evaluated on case mastery and performance. Representing Carthage at the annual American Mock Trial Association Tournament, team members build practical experience in legal reasoning, public speaking, and courtroom advocacy within a collaborative, supportive environment. During the 2025–26 school year, 16 students competed on the team. Over 180 criminal justice students have participated in the program since 2005.
28 SPORTS
890 STUDENTATHLETES
MORE THAN
1,400
PARTICIPANTS IN ENGAGEMENT AND INCLUSION PROGRAMS
450+
MUSIC, THEATRE, DANCE, AND STUDIO ART STUDENTS Professor Michael Phegley (left), director of the Mock Trial Program, is shown with ABOTA Scholarship recipients (holding certificates) Madalynn McHugh ‘28, Abigail Abbate’ 28, Olivia Artman’28, and Katherine Long ‘27, as well as ABOTA board member Steve Botzau (center) and adjunct faculty member Margaret Zienkiewicz. Not pictured: scholarship recipient Janie Clifton ‘27.
130+ CLUBS AND ORGS
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STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Value of the Carthage Fund Every gift to the Carthage Fund creates opportunities that transform the student experience. Your generosity provides the flexibility to respond to the College’s greatest needs, ensuring every student has access to the people, programs, and experiences that make a Carthage education exceptional. Because of donors like you, Carthage students benefit from: • Caring faculty and staff who know them by name and are deeply invested in their academic, personal, and lifelong success. • An innovative, high-quality education that prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. • Internship and career opportunities through our nationally recognized Aspire Program, helping every student gain valuable real-world experience and confidence for the future. • A vibrant campus community filled with student organizations, championship athletics, and inspiring opportunities in the visual and performing arts. • A steadfast commitment to affordability through scholarships and financial assistance, making a Carthage education possible for every student. The Carthage Fund is more than an annual gift — it is an investment in students’ dreams, their potential, and the future of Carthage College. Your support provides the resources needed to meet today’s most pressing priorities while preparing the next generation of leaders to make a meaningful difference in the world.
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IMPACT REPORT
“One standout opportunity was the study abroad trip to Honduras I took with faculty Nancy Reese and Rachel Martinez. We helped the community by providing healthcare services, including medical, dental, and pharmacy care; water filters; and Evangelism. Being a part of this trip has opened my eyes to the world, showing me that everyone’s way of living is different, yet we are all the same — we are human. I’m grateful to have gone on this trip, because it sparked my interest in studying abroad and in exploring a career as a travel nurse.” EDWIN ADAN SALDANA ’28 Nursing major
Student Enrollment Profile
MORE THAN
80
LEGACY FAMILIES ENROLLED
2,800+
STUDENTS ENROLLED
1,000+ INCOMING STUDENTS FOR FALL 2026
Top Majors NURSING MANAGEMENT
“Receiving this support allowed me to confidently take on an internship away from home and live independently for the summer. It has been an invaluable opportunity to develop my career by working for the Wisconsin State Public Defenders Office and deepen my commitment to public service.”
PSYCHOLOGY BIOLOGY
AZAHNA LUSCHEN ’27
MARKETING
Political Science and Public Relations majors
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THE IMPORTANCE OF BOTH ANNUAL AND ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS:
Immediate Impact Annual scholarships are funded through current-use gifts that are awarded to students during a specific academic year. Because these gifts are used immediately rather than invested, they provide timely financial assistance to students who need support today. Each year, renewed donor generosity makes it possible for new students to benefit from these life-changing opportunities.
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS:
A Lasting Legacy Endowed scholarships are created through gifts that are invested for the long term. The principal remains intact, while a portion of the investment earnings is awarded as scholarships each year. This creates a permanent source of support that benefits generations of students and allows donors to establish a lasting legacy of educational opportunity.
“One of my favorite memories at Carthage is of the Christmas Festival! Performing during Christmas Fest is such a beautiful experience, and being able to celebrate Christmas with a large audience is amazing. My favorite part of the festival is the candle lighting during ‘Silent Night.’” JASMIN TURNER ’29 Psychology and Social Work major
Carthage students gathered with President John Swallow at the July 2026 President’s Dinner. Pictured (left to right): Madison Gleason ’28, Destiny Garcia ’28, Rocco Ruffolo ’28, Katherine Rieckmann ’28, President Swallow, Chloe Gorres ’27, Lorelai Amborn ’27, Aaron Payne ’28, and Trent Schmidt ’26.
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IMPACT REPORT
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
100% OF STUDENTS
receive scholarships or other financial aid
CARTHAGE AWARDS
MORE THAN
$20M in assistance to incoming students each year
$27K
AVERAGE FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE
CARTHAGE CELEBRATED
670 GRADUATES DURING COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND 2026
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www.carthage.edu/giving giving@carthage.edu
office of advancement