Donors provide record $174.2 million for KU

LAWRENCE — In a sixth consecutive year of record fundraising success, University of Kansas alumni and friends contributed $174.2 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2013, which ended June 30. This surpassed last year’s total of $156.5 million by 11 percent.

The gifts were provided to KU Endowment in support of the university and The University of Kansas Hospital. Contributions included $143.3 million in the form of outright gifts, pledges and life income gifts, $30.4 million in deferred gift commitments and $500,000 in contributions made directly to KU. Most of these gifts were designated by donors for a specific purpose.

Drue Jennings, chair of the Board of Trustees of KU Endowment, said this generosity helps to elevate KU and the hospital to greater heights. “This ties directly to better lives, jobs and economic prosperity for the state of Kansas and the entire region,” said Jennings.

“KU alumni and friends are passionate about the university and the success of current and future generations of Jayhawks,” said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. “Their generosity shows that our donors want to help KU better serve our students, state and world. And it demonstrates their belief in KU’s mission of lifting students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.”

Bob Page, president and CEO of The University of Kansas Hospital, expressed his appreciation. “We are very grateful to the donors who have generously supported the hospital’s vision to be the best in the country. Philanthropy will play an increasingly important part of our future growth, and our partnership with KU Endowment is a key component to our success,” said Page.

“Behind this year’s successful figures are students, faculty and patients whose lives are transformed thanks to the generosity of our donors,” said Dale Seuferling, president of KU Endowment. “We are inspired by the remarkable momentum of six years of record fundraising results.”

The fiscal 2013 gifts count toward Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, a $1.2 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign set to conclude in 2016. As of Aug. 31, donors had contributed $923 million toward Far Above.

The campaign is managed by KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university. The University of Kansas Hospital is a partner in philanthropy with KU Endowment.