At National University (NU), Whole Human Education™ is more than a philosophy – it is a promise. A promise to meet learners where they are and remove the barriers that stand between them and their dreams. Whether it is a military service member balancing duty and coursework, a working parent striving for a better future, or a first-generation student blazing a new trail, their mission is to ensure every student has the support to succeed. That commitment came to life at the 2025 NU Foundation Gala, where extraordinary generosity raised more than $800,000 to transform lives.
Because of this outpouring of support, the NU Foundation has already begun transforming lives. The funds raised have provided 160 students with immediate tuition and fee assistance – totaling more than $125,000 – ensuring that their Military Tuition Assistance students could continue their studies uninterrupted during the recent federal shutdown. Additionally, more than 1,500 of their ANDers™ – the dedicated, hardworking students who define the NU community – will begin or continue their degrees through their needs-based scholarship program.
The need for this support is profound. More than 6,000 students applied for financial assistance this year alone. Many face significant barriers due to economic hardship, family responsibilities, and systemic inequities. Your generosity helps ensure that students are not forced to delay or abandon their educational goals.
The nuances of NU’s scholarship applicants highlight the diversity and determination of their student population, which includes first-generation students, minority students, single parents, military and veteran families.
This year’s gala also expanded its reach in another deeply meaningful way – by supporting NU’s Military and Veteran Food Pantry. With gala funds, they are now able to provide essential resources to Military and Veteran families facing food insecurity during the holidays and throughout the year as they work toward completing their degrees. The pantry offers fresh produce, non-perishables, baby formula, diapers, wipes, and toiletries – helping to lessen stress, restore dignity, and ensure that our servicemembers and their families feel supported on every step of their academic journey. Through this initiative, they anticipate assisting 200 to 500 additional Military and Veteran families.
By investing in these essential services, they strengthen trust, enhance the student experience, and uphold their commitment to serving those who have served our country.
The 2025 NU Foundation Gala demonstrated the extraordinary impact we can achieve together. To every attendee, sponsor, donor, and volunteer: thank you. Your generosity has created ripples of opportunity that will be felt across thousands of lives.
National University Foundation looks forward to welcoming you back next year. Save the date: October 2, 2026, for the 2026 National University Foundation Gala – another meaningful evening dedicated to transforming lives through education.
Together, we are building brighter futures – one student, one family, one act of generosity at a time.
Learn more about how you can make a difference at foundation.nu.edu.
