UT-Austin Logs Third-Highest Fundraising Year With $450M Drive

AUSTIN, TX — The University of Texas at Austin received the third-highest total fundraising in its history last year and the highest ever total during a non-capital campaign year, President Gregory L. Fenves announced Friday afternoon at a meeting of the Development Board, a 375-member group of UT alumni and supporters that advises the president.

Gifts totaled over $450 million in support from alumni and friends in the 2016-17 academic year, university officials said.

“On behalf of the university, I want to thank the more than 92,000 alumni and friends who made this possible with leadership from major donors, the Development Board and advisory councils,” Fenves said. “These generous donors have set a precedent that will inspire and motivate the entire Longhorn community for years to come.”

University officials said the philanthropy enabled the university to accomplish a number of goals:

• Help thousands of scholarship recipients pursue the American dream.
• Empower faculty members with resources to advance research and education.
• Revolutionize brain health and care at the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences.
• Support the next generation of care providers at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.
• Lead cutting-edge surgical training at the Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute.
• Prepare creative and critical thinkers through liberal arts education.
• Provide investment opportunities for students of The John Goff Real Estate Program.
• Link entertainment and media students with Hollywood experts at the Denius Center at UTLA.
• Create innovative, interactive training spaces for future nurses.
• Advance the study of music for musicians and scholars.
• Provide scholarship support and a winning edge to 500+ student athletes.
• Build state-of-the-art facilities for learning and innovation.

“The generosity of UT alumni and friends is amazing. They know full well that their philanthropic investments help Longhorn students and faculty change the world,” said Scott Rabenold, vice president for development. “Because of these gifts, we are opening the door to a world-class education to Texans, recruiting the best students from across the country and engaging in research that will positively impact everyone in society.”

Support from donors, alumni and friends is essential for achieving excellence in the university’s education, research and health care missions. The private support has become increasingly important because of reduced recurring funding from the state. UT’s tuition also remains less than most of its peer public flagship universities across the nation and is less than seven other Texas public universities.

“It’s an honor to work alongside these individuals who care so deeply about the students and faculty on this campus,” said John L. Adams, University Development Board chair. “I encourage other alumni and friends to find ways to support the university – as mentors, members of advisory boards and donors. I can assure you that your involvement will make a difference, and you will receive the joy of giving back.”

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>>> Image above provided by UT-Austin