Contact: Maridith Geuder
Mississippi State is marking the highest single-year giving total in its 123-year history.
The university received $55.8 million in gifts and pledges during the just-ended 2001 fiscal year, said Dennis A. Prescott, vice president for external affairs. The total reflects a 37 percent increase over the previous year, when $40.5 million was recorded, he added.
President Malcolm Portera said, "The level of giving recorded last year is a powerful indication that alumni and friends of Mississippi State have confidence in the quality of the university and are willing to invest their own resources to help us do a better job of moving Mississippi forward.
"Private support is more important now than at any time in the history of the institution, and the generosity of people who believe in and support the university's mission is critical to maintaining our momentum," Portera said.
The largest giving year previously took place four years ago when $44.2 million in gifts and pledges were received during the final year of Mississippi State's first major gifts campaign.
Prescott said the $55.8 million total "is particularly gratifying in light of the uncertain economic conditions" of the past year.
"This record-breaking total is a tribute to our loyal donors and hard-working staff," Prescott said. "I truly believe the Foundation is making a difference and we look forward to being called upon in the future to provide further support for Mississippi State."
Of the total, new gifts and pledges accounted for $43.5 million, a 27 percent increase over last year. Deferred gifts received during the fiscal year totaled more than $12.3 million.
Prescott said giving totals during a fiscal year are determined by adding new gifts received to pledged monies and deferred gifts received during the fiscal year. In Mississippi, a fiscal year for state agencies begins July 1 and ends the following June 30.
Established in 1962, the MSU Foundation solicits supplemental funding for the university from private sources. The university's endowment currently is more than $153 million.
For more information, contact Amy Cagle at (662) 325-1006.