Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) experienced a growth of 15 percent over last year in total contributions for the 2011 fiscal year ending June 30.
Total contributions were $5,627,312, up $744,555 from fiscal year 2010.
“We are pleased that giving to the University Fund has remained strong, even as donors have begun making significant capital commitments to our campaign for the new Suter Science Complex,” said Dr. Fred Kniss, provost and acting president of EMU. “We are also quite fortunate to have an especially loyal core group of alumni and donors who persisted with steadfast support amidst continuing softness in the economy,” Kniss added.
Contributions to the University Fund totaled $1,818,000, an increase of nearly two percent over last year. EMU’s University Fund provides annual operating support for the institution as well as merit and need-based financial aid to students.
According to Kirk Shisler, vice president for advancement, EMU received several substantial gifts that made the difference in total giving for the fiscal year. “We successfully completed a $2.5 million theater and fine arts campaign. Over $520,000 of these funds were received during the year. This includes naming gifts for a new studio theater, art gallery and advanced media lab,” said Shisler.
Several substantial contributions were also received in support of a campaign to raise funds for a new science facility at EMU. “We are in the early phases of fundraising, and anticipate that several years of intensive effort will be required to reach our goal for this major project,” said Shisler.
It was also a strong year for bequests at EMU. Gifts from the estates of 19 donors amounted to nearly $1.1 million, an increase of 57 percent over the previous year.
“We are very grateful for the continued strong support for EMU in the midst of difficult economic times. We view this as an affirmation of the importance of our university’s mission,” said Kniss.
What a great outpouring of support from many loyal benefactors to the worthy cause of
Christian higher education at EMU, my alma mater and the “mission field” I hoed rows in for 40 years. I well remember writing many “year end” financial reports over the years that were not as upbeat and heartening as this one. Thanks to EVERYONE who gave whatever they could to help keep EMU educating students for life and service in a global context. And without a pause, the 2011-12 fiscal year is under way!
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