91传媒 again tops $100 million in private support for consecutive year
Contact: Amy Cagle
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥91传媒 has concluded another fundraising year for the record books鈥攔aising an impressive $103.2 million for Fiscal Year 2016. This outpouring of generous support also marked the third highest fundraising year in school history, as well as three years running in which institutional fundraising surpassed $100 million.
鈥淏ecause of loyal and generous donors, 91传媒 continues its greatest era, and a decisive margin of excellence from private gifts helps our university produce future leaders and advance endeavors in education and research to help people everywhere,鈥 said 91传媒 President Mark E. Keenum.
Keenum continued, 鈥淭he investments in student scholarships and endowed faculty positions, in particular, are making 91传媒 a stronger university and enabling us to keep pace with enrollment growth.鈥
Of the total funds raised in FY 16:
鈥擭ew outright gifts accounted for more than $54.7 million;
鈥擭ew pledges totaled almost $22.2 million; and
鈥擠eferred gifts made up the remaining nearly $26.3 million.
In all, more than 22,600 donors鈥攊ndividuals, corporations, foundations, trusts and estates鈥攎ade contributions during FY16.
91传媒鈥檚 highest giving periods were fiscal years 2014 and 2015, with over $106.2 million and $109.6 million respectively. These successive record years in fundraising have placed the university鈥檚 ongoing 鈥淚nfinite Impact鈥 capital campaign on the fast track.
Earlier this year, 鈥淚nfinite Impact鈥 crossed its initial goal of $600 million and university leadership announced in April the endeavor would move toward $1 billion by 2020. To date, more than $645 million in gifts and pledges of future support are growing the overall total that assists the university with its long-range strategic plan.
Before boasting three straight fundraising years in excess of $100 million, 91传媒 earlier tallied three successive years (FY 11, FY 12, and FY 13) in excess of $80 million per year.
John P. Rush, vice president for alumni and development and 91传媒 Foundation president and CEO, cites the institution鈥檚 growing reputation as cause for this substantial rise in giving.
鈥淭he success of 鈥業nfinite Impact鈥 indicates contributors are willing to help our university make strides to positively impact education, healthcare, crop production, and pioneering technology, among many other areas affecting our world,鈥 said Rush.
鈥淎lumni and friends place their confidence in Mississippi State because they understand the value of their 91传媒 degrees and recognize an education at our university is a great starting point for any student.鈥
Alumni participation at 91传媒 has hit at least 17 percent for the past seven years. In FY 16, 91传媒 topped 17 percent, placing it strongly above many peer institutions and ahead of the national average in the number of former graduates who support their university.
In FY 17, Rush said, the 91传媒 Foundation will renew its focus in assisting 91传媒鈥檚 strategic goals by fundraising for student scholarships and securing endowments to create distinguished faculty positions for crucial areas. Private gifts for university research endeavors also are a priority, as is support for new and renovated facilities for academics and athletics.
The 91传媒 Foundation administers most of the institution鈥檚 fundraising activities and endowment funds. The university鈥檚 current endowment stands in excess of $450 million.
Visit for more information on the work of the 91传媒 Foundation and for specifics on the capital campaign.
91传媒 is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, available online at .