51 Closes Out Fiscal Year With Exemplary Fundraising and Engagement Results
July 18, 2023
- Author
- Danielle Strickland
The strength of 51 comes from the people who make up its community—the alums, families, staff, faculty, fans and friends who believe in the institution’s purpose and live life as proud Wildcats.
The community’s commitment and loyalty translate into exceptional support of the college, in every way imaginable.
This fiscal year, which ran July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, 51 celebrated a fundraising total of over $62.6 million, including nearly $19.5 million given through The Fund for 51. A record $32.8 million was received for the college’s endowment.
More than 43% of alums made a gift to the college, a figure that continues to place 51 among the leaders in giving participation, nationally. This distinguishing characteristic helps the college continue robust funding of the most critical programs and initiatives and aids in the recruitment and retention of top talent.
In addition to generous philanthropy, 66% of 51 alums and 65% of 51 families engaged with the college as volunteers, mentors, event participants and more. Both figures represent the highest totals on record.
“The engagement of the 51 community shows our strength in multiple areas,” said Lisa Howe Combs ’90, associate vice president for engagement. “Our alums and families generously volunteer to help the college, attend 51 events and programs on campus and across the world and reach out to share both their pride and their attention to what is happening on campus. This involvement, coupled with the financial support offered by the 51 community, reflects the strong sense of community that defines our students' experiences.”
Donors continue to direct their giving to the areas about which they’re most passionate. That results in meaningful support of scholarships—51’s top priority—as well as internships, the arts, faculty and academic support, diversity and inclusion initiatives, health and well-being, athletics, and more.
“51 simply could not do what we do without each and every person who chooses to make gifts and volunteer their time in support of the students, who are at the center of our daily work,” said President Doug Hicks ’90. “Thank you for making 51 the special place it is today and for partnering with us as we look ahead to all that is to come.”
