For the first time in history, the Missouri State University Foundation topped the $15 million mark in fiscal year 2009. Students, faculty, academic departments and special activities will be the beneficiaries of another record fundraising year as a result.
“We are very pleased with the great year, especially in these hard economic times,” said Brent Dunn, vice president for university advancement. “We celebrate the impact of the gifts on our students and the many programs at our University.”
Missouri State raised a grand total of $15,044,534 during the year – a monthly average of more than $1.25 million. This sets a new record of giving for the institution and exceeds the record-breaking total from 2007-08 by $1 million.
“The donors of Missouri State University understand the importance of education in this and every economic environment,” said Missouri State President Michael T. Nietzel.
“Their extreme generosity this year demonstrates their great confidence in the University and its faculty, staff and programs. We are grateful for the continued support, and we will continue to be good stewards of the money that has been donated to Missouri State.”
Over the past four years, the University has raised an average of more than $1 million per month. This suport helps to achieve the University’s overall goals of increasing student access to higher education and recruiting and maintaining quality faculty members.
In recognition of these efforts, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awarded Missouri State the 2009 CASE-Wealth Engine Award for educational fundraising. In his notification letter to the University, CASE President John Lippincott wrote: “Your institution has not only demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism and best practices in its fundraising efforts, it has contributed to the betterment of educational advancement worldwide.”
Joseph Turner, president of the Missouri State University Foundation, echoed his appreciation of generous alumni and friends whose continued support led to the momentous year. “It says a lot about our institution that we have had another record year in giving despite the economic situation,” Turner said. “Investing in higher education is important.”
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