MU, Vet Med Set Fundraising Records

University of Missouri officials celebrated a record-breaking year in giving, receiving $200 million in total gifts this academic year, including pledges for future funds – an 18 percent increase shattering the previous record of $170 million set in 2016.

This year’s giving brings the Mizzou: Our Time to Lead campaign total to more than $1.2 billion, $50 million shy of the campaign’s $1.3 billion goal.

“Our record-breaking fundraising year is impressive, but the real story is the impact these gifts have on our students, faculty and staff,” said Vice Chancellor for Advancement Tom Hiles. “What inspires me the most are the scholarships that support our students, the faculty funding that allows us to recruit and retain excellent researchers and the capital that builds world-class teaching and research spaces. I will put our team and Mizzou donors up against anyone in the country.”

The College of Veterinary Medicine also enjoyed a record-breaking year. Gifts this past year totaled $14.3 million. The previous record of $12.6 million was set in 2014.  The CVM also exceeded its Mizzou: Our Time to Lead campaign goal of $65 million a year ahead of time, raising more than $69 million since the campaign launched.

“I feel extremely humbled and grateful right now,” said CVM Dean Carolyn J. Henry, “I’m so thankful for the generosity of our alumni, clients, friends of the college, and faculty and staff for placing their faith in the college and our mission. Their gifts allowed us not only to exceed our fundraising goal for the year, but also set a new record. Our entire Advancement team deserves credit for this accomplishment, but I particularly want to recognize CVM fundraisers Janie Harmon and Kylene Richardson for their hard work and commitment to the college. More than ever, I am optimistic about the future of the CVM and Mizzou,” she said.

This year, Mizzou also broke previous records for annual giving, which includes gifts under $10,000 that were received in full. Small gifts totaling $21.3 million were given to support many initiatives at Mizzou, including scholarships and research.

“This exciting trend proves that time and again, Mizzou alumni and friends are dedicated to strengthening Missouri’s flagship university,” MU Chancellor Alexander N. Cartwright said. “We are proud to have some of the most generous supporters in the nation, and the gifts they’ve given will be transformative for current and future Mizzou students.”