WIU Foundation Announces Record Year in Fundraising

August 18, 2008

MACOMB, IL -- The Western Illinois University Foundation has reported a record high in fundraising for Fiscal Year 2008, with donors contributing more than $8.4 million, according to WIU President Al Goldfarb.

"We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has made a contribution to Western Illinois University," Goldfarb said. "The commitment of our alumni and friends provides our students and faculty with the resources necessary to succeed."

The previous fundraising record occurred in FY04 with a total of $6.2 million, noted Vice President for Advancement and Public Services Dan Hendricks. Subsequent years have raised an average of $5.6 million annually.

"We are extremely pleased and impressed that our donors have demonstrated such remarkable generosity," Hendricks said. "Despite the uncertain economic climate, sliding stock market and rising prices, support for Western is at an all-time high and is truly exceptional."

Western's Annual Fund, which generates annual support for the academic departments and programs, jumped from $1.4 to $1.8 million this past fiscal year, while support for the President's Scholarship Fund, established in 2006 to reduce the average debt load for students, increased 18 percent

"Western has always benefited from consistent and loyal support from our alumni and friends," added Director of Development Brad Bainter, who has been with the Foundation since 1995. "What we have seen this past year is an increase not only in outright cash gifts, but also an increase in planned giving and more creative vehicles such as gifts of real estate, IRA rollovers and remainder trusts."

Even parents of WIU students gave record amounts. Gifts to the Parents' Fund surged from $11,000 last year to $50,420 this year.

"We are appreciative of the support that parents and families have given this year. Student Services has made a concerted effort to reach parents and have done so with great success," said Jessica Butcher, assistant to the vice president for student services.

"I can only attribute this generosity to the confidence our donors have in quality education that Western provides, as well as the University's commitment to students," Hendricks added. "I thank each one of the more than 14,000 individuals responsible for this exceptional total of more than $8.4 million. Because of them, the educational experience at Western will be strengthened, and we are well-positioned for the future."

For more information on giving opportunities, visit wiu.edu/giving or contact the Foundation Office at
(309) 298-1861.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing

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Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University