$23.1 Million: UofM Has Record Year for Academic Fundraising

August 7, 2018 - The University of Memphis secured a record $23,145,635 in academic commitments during the fiscal year that ended June 30, surpassing the previous record of $21,080,174 achieved in fiscal year 2015. The total includes gifts of cash, pledges and planned gifts from alumni, friends, corporations and foundations to the University of Memphis Foundation.

Private contributions impact the lives of our students and improve the educational experience at the University of Memphis.

“Our donors provide the critical resources our students need in order to be successful,” said President M. David Rudd. “Their investments not only enhance the University’s ability to serve students, but also support programs that bring distinction to the UofM.”

Several factors contributed to the record level of support, including commitments to the River City Partnership, an initiative to improve the quality of urban education by addressing the critical challenges facing Shelby County Schools around teacher recruitment, retention and training.

Gifts to the Mike Rose Natatorium also played a key role. Renovations to the existing swimming facility will provide students with access to a state-of-the-art arena for recreation and fitness purposes, as well as for obtaining college credit through multiple credit-hour granting aquatics courses.

In addition, donors were inspired to provide gifts for student scholarships. Approximately 87 percent of all students at the UofM receive some sort of assistance in the form of either merit or need-based aid. Scholarships awarded to motivated and deserving students positively influence recruitment, retention and graduation rates.

CONTACT

Chuck Gallina | 901.678.1756 l cgallina@memphis.edu