FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — On June 30, the University of Arkansas recorded the third best fund-raising year in its history, attracting $62.3 million in private gift support.

The totals include actual dollars or gifts-in-kind received during the period July 1, 2000, through June 30, 2001, and exclude any pledges of gifts made during that time.

The $62.3 million includes funds to two major areas:

• $45.1 raised for academic and academic support programs, including women’s athletics.
• $17.25 million from the Razorback Foundation, Inc., a private organization that supports men’s athletics.

In addition, a total of $4,422,942 was committed in pledges to UA programs.

"We are extremely grateful to the thousands of alumni, friends, corporations and foundations who made private gifts to the University this past year," said UA Chancellor John A. White. "This outpouring of private support allows us to compete with the nation’s best universities. These gifts have a direct impact on the University of Arkansas as it positions itself to become a top-tier university in the new economy and, consequently, contribute significantly to improvement in the state’s economy and the quality of life for all its citizens.

"Building on state funds, private gift support helps us move closer to our vision for the twenty-first century to emerge as a nationally competitive, student-centered research university serving Arkansas and the world," White added.

The $62.3 million in private giving for 2000-2001 ranks third behind 1998-1999, when $98 million was raised, and 1999-2000, when $83.2 million was raised. Fund-raising totals for those two years were boosted significantly by a $50 million gift (in October 1998) from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation for what was later named the Sam M. Walton College of Business and a $20 million gift (December 1999) for the expansion and renovation of what was later renamed the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

The University’s fourth best year was in 1993-1994, when $43.5 million was raised. The totals that year did not include gifts to the Razorback Foundation but did include a gift of $18.2 million from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to endow the King Fahd Middle East Studies Program

Although last year’s monetary total was higher, the University actually received a greater number of gifts in 2000-2001 for academic, academic support programs and women’s athletics — 30,359 compared with 29,020 for 1999-2000.

Of the 30,359 gifts for academics, academic support programs, and women’s athletics, 86 percent came from individual alumni and friends, while 14 percent came from corporations and foundations.

"The results this year are particularly pleasing because of the faltering economy last winter and spring," said G. David Gearhart, vice chancellor for University Advancement. "We are most grateful that our benefactors continued to give generously in the face of such economic uncertainty. It is a clear indication that they enthusiastically share the vision for creating a world-class university for Arkansas and are stepping forward in increasing numbers to make that happen."

Curtis Shipley, chairman of the University’s volunteer fund-raising group the National Development Council said, "We are grateful to the leadership of John White, our volunteers, deans, staff and others who have made this year’s fund-raising results possible. I’m particularly pleased with the growth in the number of volunteers who are working toward increasing private gift support at the University of Arkansas. As always, the volunteers have been critical in fund-raising success."

UA Men’s Athletic Director Frank Broyles said, "The generosity to Razorback programs this year enabled the continuation of the most important project undertaken by our department during the last 50 years — the expansion and renovation of the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Completion of this project will vastly improve our competitive ability to recruit high ability student-athletes."

Chuck Dicus, president of the Razorback Foundation board, said, "In addition to the $8 million in gifts directed toward the stadium, we have had a very good year. The foundation’s annual fund total of $9.25 million represents the third highest amount over the last decade. 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 University of Arkansas student-athletes will achieve their fullest potential."

Benefactors designated gifts as follows.

• Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and the Division of Agriculture: $15,323,577
• School of Architecture: $268,289
• J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: $2,905,123
• Sam M. Walton College of Business Administration: $5,370,525
• College of Education and Health Professions: $1,836,029
• College of Engineering: $3,008,646
• School of Law: $2,486,122
• University Libraries: $760,284

Gifts to other units:

• Men’s Athletics (Razorback Foundation, Inc.): $ 17.25 million
• Alumni Association: $472,122
• Chancellor’s Scholarship: $2,373,782
• KUAF Public Radio: $766,469
• University Museum: $30,451
• General Scholarships: $945,254
• Student Affairs: $615,312
• University of Arkansas Press: $257,435
• University Wide: $23,301,356
• Women’s Athletics: $817,937

Of the $45.1 million raised during 2001-2002 for academic programs, academic support programs and women’s athletics, $7,915,898 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," Gearhart said.