Students outside of the UW College of Business Building. Private giving to the University
of Wyoming exceeded $40 million for the second year in a row. (UW Photo)
Private giving to the University of Wyoming exceeded $40 million for the fiscal year ending June 30. It is the second year in a row -- and the first time in UW history -- that the UW Foundation has raised more than $40 million in private support in two consecutive years.
Private giving to UW totaled $40.1 million from more than 23,550 contributors. UW’s giving total includes $11.5 million in estate gifts and more than $5 million in annual giving. Support for Wyoming Public Radio and the Cowboy Joe Club is accounted for in UW’s gift total.
“Once again, we’ve seen incredible support for the University of Wyoming from our friends and alumni,” says UW President Tom Buchanan. “I cannot overstate my gratitude for the tremendous generosity of our private supporters. To sustain this level of giving for two years is simply remarkable, and it, in turn, provides UW with greater opportunities in programs and facilities development that will positively impact the university and our students for decades to come.”
Philanthropy provides UW an important extra margin of support that builds upon the university’s public funding. The university’s endowment now totals approximately $317 million. Assets managed by the foundation have grown significantly over the years and have allowed donors to support an expanding number of students, faculty and academic programs during times when many universities have had to cut back.
“This year's total is all the more important and noteworthy in that the foundation didn't receive any $10 million gifts this year,” says Greg Dyekman, outgoing UW Foundation Board chair. “This $40 million has come through improved systems, hard work by foundation staff, outstanding board work and support, ever-broadening prospects, and the desire to continue to help donors support UW, about which they are clearly very passionate.”
“As a UW alumnus myself, I couldn’t be more proud of my fellow alumni for their tremendous generosity this past year,” says Clayton Hartman, current UW Foundation Board chair. “UW is the only four-year university in the state, and it is critical that we have the participation of former students working and contributing to better the lives of our current students.”
Key gifts were received this past year from the following:
-- Ultra Petroleum – for academics and research in energy disciplines;
-- Baker Hughes – for academics and research in energy disciplines;
-- Marathon – for academics and research in energy disciplines;
-- The Watt Foundation – for the Literacy Research Center and Clinic;
-- The Ellbogen Foundation – for the Literacy Research Center and Clinic and for the Ellbogen
Center for Teaching and Learning;
-- Harry Konkel – for scholarships for Teton County students;
-- Marvin Millgate – supporting Academic Affairs;
-- The Rentschler family – of valuable artwork to be displayed in the American Heritage Center.
“Another remarkable year that reflects the generosity of UW’s alumni and friends who join the university’s corporate and foundation partners in a commitment to excellence,” says UW Foundation President Ben Blalock. “Now surpassing $40 million for two consecutive years repositions UW’s private support programs. It is humbling to witness the pride that the UW family takes in elevating Wyoming’s university to new heights each and every year.”
In the coming year, the university will focus fundraising efforts on new state match opportunities and on institutional fundraising priorities. These priorities include energy, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), Arena-Auditorium renovations and the performing arts.
UW focuses its fundraising dollars through these institutional fundraising priorities, which are established by the UW president and trustees in collaboration with the provost and deans, directors, faculty and staff.
This year, the UW Foundation celebrates 50 years of dynamic partnership with the University of Wyoming -- enhancing excellence and distinction at UW by securing private resources, delivering superior stewardship, and creating enduring relationships with all who share pride in Wyoming's university.
Established in 1962, the University of Wyoming Foundation is an independent nonprofit corporation appointed by the UW Board of Trustees to raise, receive and manage private gifts to maximize support for UW. The foundation partners with UW to enhance the university’s programs and projects to meet current and future needs through private giving.
