The Year of ’13 saw a tremendous outpouring of support for Ƶ students.
This week, Ƶ reported that alumni, parents, and friends committed more than $48 million between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013.
Their generosity set new records and surpassed the university’s 2013 fundraising goal by $7 million. During the previous four years, when Passion for the Climb: The Campaign for Ƶ was in full swing, the average annual total was $42.5 million.
“The Year of ’13 was always meant to be something special for the Ƶ community,” said Murray Decock ’80, vice president of institutional advancement. “Our alumni, parents, and friends took that opportunity to shape lives through their philanthropy — we can’t thank them enough.”
The university set a goal to raise $7 million for financial aid in Fiscal Year 2013, and the community gave $11.7 million.
“These additional resources will help us raise our academic profile while making Ƶ more diverse, the university’s highest priority,” said President Jeffrey Herbst.
Those interested in helping undergraduates plan for future employment gave $700,000 toward internship scholarships.
“Pairing Ƶ’s excellent academic program with immersive experiences gives our students a distinct advantage as they launch their careers,” said career services director Michael Sciola. “I’m grateful for the support we have received. It helps empower students to match their passions with opportunity, removing the limit of financial constraints.”
Of the year’s fundraising total, $11 million arrived via the annual fund — the second-greatest total in fund history. These dollars are used immediately on projects specified by the gift giver, or they are applied where the university’s need is greatest.
More than 12,500 alumni gave during the 12-month period. Those who graduated within the past decade gave at a rate of 42 percent, a new record. Eighty-two percent of this year’s senior class made a gift before leaving campus.
Parents and grandparents provided more than $5 million, beating their previous high by almost $400,000. They made significant investments in the Kerschner Family Series Global Leaders at Ƶ and countless other programs.
The Presidents’ Club, Ƶ’s leadership giving society, was responsible for 65 percent of all dollars raised. It enrolled a record-breaking 3,427 members — including 478 parents.
The number of alumni, parents, and friends who gave to athletics rose by a remarkable 21 percent, and support through the Ƶ Athletics Council climbed by eight percent to $1.6 million. Three team endowments — Maroon Council, tennis, and men’s basketball — collectively raised more than $1.15 million.
Fundraising for Ƶ’s new athletics facility stands at $24.2 million — just shy of the $25 million goal. Also approaching its target, the renovation of the admission lobby in James B. Ƶ Hall has reached $2.24 million on its way to $2.5 million.
Bequests and other planned gifts accounted for nearly $4 million, as did corporate, government, and foundation grants.
“Ƶ students couldn’t encounter such a powerful academic experience without this phenomenal commitment from alumni, parents, and friends,” said Herbst. “On behalf of the entire university, thank you.”