The Harley School on Friday marked the close of the largest donor campaign in the school’s history.

The Lives of Great Purpose Campaign raised more than $16 million for enhancements to benefit students and staff, officials said. Since the campaign launched three years ago, funds have been distributed as they come in between three key pillars focused on academic excellence, environments for learning and financial sustainability.

The campaign grew out of the school’s most recent strategic plan which placed an emphasis on increasing engagement with the community, parents and alumni, as well as increasing philanthropy. The campaign’s original goal was $12 million.

“The success of the Lives of Great Purpose campaign would not be possible without the overwhelming support of Harley’s community members, alumni and families,” said Harley’s Head of School Larry Frye in a statement. “Thanks to the generosity of all who participated in this campaign over the last few years we are able to continue to offer our students and staff an elevated learning experience that celebrates Harley’s passion and purpose.”

The largest portion of the fund was raised through the Sands challenge for Faculty Compensation. Long-time supporters of the school, the Sands family donated a $3 million base gift and match of $1 million to the more than $1 million the school raised independently. Some $5.3 million was raised for the endowment, officials noted.

Finally, $3.8 million benefitted student scholarships and faculty professional development, while $4.5 million was added to the Harley Fund, which benefits the most immediate needs of the current school year.

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