Thousands of DePaul University alumni and friends, along with business and civic leaders, corporations and foundations answered DePaul's challenge to raise $100 million in a fund-raising campaign which ended Dec. 31, 1996.

Called Cornerstone, the campaign enabled DePaul to offer more scholarships to deserving students, enhance academic programs and open state-of-the-art educational facilities.

"Cornerstone provided so many who hold DePaul dear the chance to live the courage of their convictions," said the Rev. John P. Minogue, C.M., DePaul's president. "If DePaul can touch individual lives so deeply, then this university founded under the name of Vincent de Paul can be a force of significant social transformation in Chicago."

Jack M. Greenberg, vice chairman of McDonald's Corp. and chairman of DePaul's board of trustees, said, "The successful completion of Cornerstone allows DePaul to continue to broaden its mission and ensure that it will grow and thrive as it enters its second century of service."

The final total raised during the campaign exceeded $102 million, according to John B. Simon, a partner at Jenner & Block who chairs the board of trustees' advancement committee.

Two prominent results of the campaign were the $65 million renovation of the DePaul Center and the acquisition of the former Blackstone Theatre, which have helped revitalize the South Loop.

"It is clear that the message of DePaul, the mission of DePaul, has excited individuals in the community," said Ernie Wish, a 1957 College of Commerce graduate and the board of trustees member who chaired the campaign.

John C. Roberts, vice president for university advancement, said, "DePaul owes a great debt to its many benefactors. They have invested in a great university, not only because of its distinguished past, but also because of its bright future. Our students, faculty and staff share in thanking them for their support."

Through the generosity of Cornerstone donors, DePaul built the John T. Richardson Library in Lincoln Park, providing a valuable new resource to students and the community, and increased funding for scholarships to deserving students, improving access to quality education.

The campaign helped DePaul expand its community outreach by funding such new endeavors as the Msgr. John J. Egan Urban Center and the International Human Rights Law Institute, both of which help people help themselves through training and support. DePaul also forged new partnerships with the Chicago Public Schools to improve test scores and better prepare teachers.

Several new centers and programs were created to address important business, social and local government issues, including the Driehaus Center for International Business, the Jeanne and Joseph Sullivan Program for Human Rights in the Americas and the Harry F. and Elaine M. Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development.