EUGENE, Ore. -- (Aug. 12, 2011) -- Private giving to the University of Oregon remains strong despite the struggling economy. The university announced today that donors increased their financial support by nearly 10 percent in 2010-11.
Gifts and pledges from more than 46,500 individuals, companies and private foundations exceeded $116.9 million for the fiscal year that ended June 30. It is the third highest annual total ever and the fourth year running that contributions have surpassed $100 million.
"We are grateful to everyone who supports the University of Oregon in whatever way they can," said UO President Richard Lariviere. "Every gift makes a difference to our students. The loyalty of our alumni and friends, even in challenging times, makes us optimistic about the future."
Donors helped to advance the university's mission with $73.3 million to support academics and $43.6 million for athletics. The grand total represents several types of gifts, from multi-year pledges to deferred gifts such as bequests, charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities or life insurance designations.
Donors also created or added to existing endowment gifts, which provide a stable source of ongoing funding. As of June 30, 2011, the UO Foundation managed an endowment of $467 million. The endowment has grown 117 percent in value since 2001, and the UO Foundation's investment performance over the last 10 years places it among the top 16 percent of similar institutions nationwide.
Mike Andreasen, UO vice president for development, said the university relies more than ever on donors now that the state provides only about 5.7 percent (approximately $46.5 million) of the university's annual operating budget.
"We thank our donors for fueling the university's ability to excel on an international level," Andreasen said. "Their generosity makes an enormous difference in our ability to provide our students with advantages that will benefit the state as a whole."
In addition to scholarships and program support, gifts have helped make possible two major construction projects now under way: expansion and renovation of Allen Hall, home to the School of Journalism and Communication, and the new Robert and Beverly Lewis Integrative Science Building. On Oct. 6, the university will host a public open house for another major facility supported heavily by gifts: the new Cheryl Ramberg Ford and Allyn Ford Alumni Center.
The fundraising period was from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011. In 2009-10, giving totaled $106.4 million. The UO's highest one-year total was $277.9 million in fiscal year 2007-08 which marked the end of the university's record-setting $853 million "Transforming Lives" campaign. The second highest year was 2008-09 at just over $129 million.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is among the 108 institutions chosen from 4,633 U.S. universities for top-tier designation of "Very High Research Activity" in the 2010 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The UO also is one of two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities.
MEDIA CONTACT: Phil Weiler, UO media relations, 541-346-3873, pweiler@uoregon.edu
SOURCE: David Deyhle, UO development, 541-346-8398, deyhle@uoregon.edu
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