Private giving to the University of Wyoming reached new heights during the recent fiscal year ending June 30,as the university raised a record-setting $43 million, the single largest fundraising year in the school's 122-year history. Additionally, a total of $19.8 million was committed through the state's facility and endowment matching funds as a direct result of private giving.
The total gifts and pledges raised in FY 2008 elevate UW's five-year average for private giving to more than $30 million a year, another considerable milestone for the university. The total number of contributors to UW was 24,090 alumni and friends.
"This kind of support is extraordinary in the history of Wyoming's university. Alumni and friends are stepping forward in record numbers to give to UW," says UW President Tom Buchanan. "I cannot overstate my gratitude for the incredible generosity of our public and private supporters. Due to this significant achievement, UW is better positioned than ever to be one of the nation's finest public land-grant research universities."
"Each year is bringing new levels of private support to UW," says Ben Blalock, UW Foundation president. "The UW giving records that we recently viewed as unprecedented are continually being surpassed. Wyoming's university has remarkable supporters. I am deeply grateful for the individual, corporate, and foundation giving to our school. The state of Wyoming is a key philanthropic partner. The state's matching program is incenting gifts to UW. As a result, UW is experiencing its greatest era."
This total includes $1 million from Marian Rochelle and April Brimmer Kunz to the UW College of Law, $1 million from the Ellbogen Foundation to the College of Education, $1 million from Marathon Oil Corporation to support energy and education research programs, $3 million from the Daniels Fund to the College of Business, $5 million from BP America to support UW's energy programs, and $5 million from Mick and Susie McMurry through the McMurry Foundation for the College of Business. Additional gifts were received in the form of major software contributions for the university's energy programs from Schlumberger and Halliburton.
"It's been another remarkable year for the University of Wyoming," says Roy Cline, UW Foundation Board chairman for FY 2008. "This is an exceptional show of support from our alumni and friends whom we greatly appreciate. Private fundraising makes a significant difference in educational excellence for our university, faculty, and students."
"The fundraising accomplishments reflect the faith our donors and alumni have in the leadership of UW and our belief that they can make a real difference for our faculty and students," says Chuck Brown, president of the UW Board of Trustees. "The future is bright for the university as we continue to build on our tremendous momentum."
Significant support for UW continues to be made available from the state's unique matching fund. Since 2001, UW has received more than $84 million in state endowment matches and $43 million in state matches for academic facilities.
"The university has an unbelievable partner in the state of Wyoming,"
adds Buchanan. "The uniqueness of the state's endowment and facilities
matching programs has enabled UW to transform its physical spaces on
campus, as well as prepare for the challenges ahead."
Additionally, during FY2008 the UW athletics department reached its $16
million fundraising goal and with the Wyoming State Legislature's
matching fund program will have $32 million available for facility
enhancements.
When totaled, the university has received $144 million in state matching funds since
2001.
The UW Foundation, established in 1962, is appointed by the university Board of Trustees to raise, receive, and manage private gifts to maximize support for UW. Through private gifts, the foundation is able to enhance UW programs and projects to meet future needs.
