University Of Arkansas Records Second Best Fund-Raising Year In History

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - On June 30, the University of Arkansas recorded the second best fund-raising year in its history, attracting $83.2 million in private gift support.

The totals include actual dollars or gifts-in-kind received during the period July 1, 1999, through June 30, 2000, and exclude any pledges of gifts made during that time.

The $83.2 million includes funds to two major areas:

• $48.3 raised for academic and academic support programs.
• $34.9 million from the Razorback Foundation, Inc., a private organization that supports men’s athletics. Included in this figure is a $20 million gift from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation for the expansion and renovation of Razorback Stadium; and an additional $4 million also designated for stadium renovation.

In addition, a total of $7.9 million was committed in pledges to UA programs.

UA Chancellor John A. White said, "We are extremely grateful to the thousands of alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and other organizations making private gifts to the University this past year. This outpouring of private support allows us to compete with the nation's best universities. These gifts are having a direct impact on not only the University, but also the economy and culture of the state.

"Building on state funds, this support is helping us move closer to our vision for the 21st century to emerge as a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world," White added.

"It is standard practice across the nation to include athletic giving in the annual report of total philanthropic support," said G. David Gearhart, vice chancellor for University advancement. "We are pleased that the leadership of the Razorback Foundation Inc. has enthusiastically supported the inclusion of their totals in the University's annual report from here on out.

"We couldn't be more pleased with the $83.2 million raised this past year," Gearhart added. "Our goal was to raise $35 million for academic programs. Our supporters responded with $48.3 million, which is 38 percent over our original goal."

"The underlying fund-raising trends at the University over the last two years are very encouraging," he said. "Not only are we generating significantly larger totals, but we are also attracting mega-gifts that have drawn international attention to the University. The $50 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation to the Sam M. Walton College of Business Administration in 1998-1999 was, at the time, the largest gift ever made to a U.S. business school. This year, the $20 million gift from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation was among the largest gifts ever made in this nation for capital construction of athletic facilities."

Of the 29,020 gifts for academic and academic support programs, 93 percent came from individual alumni and friends, while seven percent came from corporations and foundations.

Curtis Shipley, chairman of the National Development Council (the U of A's volunteer fund-raising group), added, "We are delighted with this year’s fund-raising results. We are grateful to the leadership of John White, our volunteers, deans, staff and others who have made this possible. Now, with the cooperation of Razorback Foundation Inc. President Chuck Dicus, and the Razorback Foundation Inc.’s board, we are pleased that the annual totals we report for the University are more representative of our total donor support."

For the previous year, 1998-1999, the University of Arkansas' total giving — including athletics and academics — ranked third in the SEC with Vanderbilt first and the University of Florida second and 42^nd in the nation.

UA Athletic Director Frank Broyles said, "The $20 million the Razorback Foundation received this year from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation assured that we had a significant part of the financing for the expansion and renovation of the stadium. This most generous gift will help us compete with other Southeastern Conference schools in recruiting high quality student-athletes." The stadium has been renamed the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Dicus said, "In addition to the gift for the stadium, we have had an outstanding year. The foundation's annual fund total of $10.9 million represents an increase of 13 percent over last year. We want to thank all of our donors to the Razorback Foundation Inc. who are continuing to provide assistance with the scholarship program so that our student-athletes will achieve their fullest potential."

Gifts to the major academic units were designated by benefactors as follows:

• Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: $449,559

and the Division of Agriculture: $6,022,512

• School of Architecture: $320,474
• J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: $7,948,612
• Sam M. Walton College of Business Administration: $9,745,970
• College of Education and Health Professions: $1,433,892
• College of Engineering: $2,814,091
• School of Law: $6,640,028
• University Library: $1,793,411

Gifts to other units:

• Men's Athletics (Razorback Foundation, Inc.): $34.9 million
• Alumni Association: $562,876
• Chancellor's Scholarship: $1,768,004
• KUAF Public Radio: $564,420
• University Museum: $42,279
• General Scholarships: $1,252,961
• Student Affairs: $852,579
• University of Arkansas Press: $257,655
• University Wide: $5,232,591
• Women's Athletics: $632,975

Of the $48.3 million raised last year for academic programs and academic support programs, $13.3 million was designated by donors for the University's endowment. Endowment acts like a permanent savings account to provide a perpetual source of income for such purposes as student scholarships, faculty chairs, and academic programs.

"The rapid growth of the University of Arkansas endowment is key to realizing our goals for the University, particularly in our ability to attract and retain highly talented students and faculty," White said.

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