Fundraising Progress on Mark to Achieve Goal, University Official Says

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas’ chief fundraising official said Tuesday that mid-year totals indicate the state’s flagship university is right on track to reach its goal as long as gifts and pledges continue at the current pace.

“The U of A continues to attract generous support from individuals, foundations and organizations,” said Brad Choate, vice chancellor for university advancement. “There’s a widespread appreciation for the educational quality and opportunities the university offers, as well as an ever-growing recognition of the economic contributions we are fostering through research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“The university is heavily dependent on philanthropic gifts of all sizes,” Choate continued. “These donations help us maintain academic quality and affordability, two key attributes of our university and its service to Arkansas and the nation. Philanthropy fuels opportunity, and opportunity fuels success.”

As of Dec. 31, 2011 — the halfway point of the 2012 fiscal year — the University of Arkansas had raised $53,547,297, including funds contributed to the Razorback Foundation. The overall fundraising goal for the fiscal year ending June 30 is $103 million.

The amount raised thus far includes outright gifts of cash, gifts-in-kind, new planned gifts and new pledges secured between July 1, 2011, and Dec. 31, 2011. It includes funds designated for academic and athletic purposes such as need-based scholarships, new construction and renovation projects, diversity initiatives and University Libraries.

“These gifts will benefit our students, faculty and state in the near term and for decades to come,” Choate said. “Every gift of every size has an immediate impact on the area of campus for which it is designated. Students, faculty, programs, research initiatives and capital projects make the Arkansas experience what it is in large part because of private gift support.

“Each and every benefactor deserves our sincere gratitude for their support,” Choate added. “We are appreciative of the hard work of the university’s faculty, fundraising team and associated colleagues who work to align the needs of the University of Arkansas with the interests of our alumni and friends.”