Babson Raises More Than $200 Million

A pair of anonymous donations worth $58.7 million has helped to push Babson College’s four-year fund-raising campaign over the $200 million mark.

Babson, ranked in two surveys as having the best MBA program for entrepreneurs, said yesterday (Sept. 24) that its “Babson Rising” campaign is now the most successful fund-raising drive in its history. The school said it reached its $200 million goal almost four months before the schedule closing date.

“The response of our alumni and friends has been overwhelming,” said Bob Weissman, a 1964 graduate who served as chairman of the campaign, which started in April 2007, before Babson President Len Schlesinger took office.

The money will support academic and research activities, scholarships for students and other Babson programs.

The said it will try to raise another $15 million to $20 million in the next 100 days to advance four priorities: a Center for Women’s Leadership, a Coaching for Leadership and Teamwork program, financial aid for students, and “Living and Learning Entrepreneurially.”

Babson’s said its endowment fund, valued at $243 million as of June 30, earned 19.4 percent on its investments last year.