Alumni and friends of West Virginia University have once again shown their passion and loyalty by giving back in record numbers.

For the fiscal year July 1, 2011—June 30, 2012, the WVU Foundation received $173.9 million in cash and in-kind gifts—a record high—including a single in-kind software donation from Siemens PLM Software valued at $71.2 million. Not including the large in-kind gift, the remaining $102.7 million donated in FY12 also is an all-time record for contributions—topping last year’s record high of $96.3 million

The contributions span all areas of the University, from academics to research to health sciences to athletics.

“Having record-setting years back-to-back shows that our donors are excited about the direction the University is going and the leadership that’s in place,” said Wayne King, WVU Foundation president and CEO. “It truly is a testament to the fierce loyalty and passion that runs so deep among WVU supporters. We can’t thank them enough for their wonderful generosity.”

Over the past fiscal year, 21,990 donors made 35,548 gifts.

Donor gifts enabled the Foundation to provide approximately $66 million in support in FY12 as requested by the University, also a record. Over the past five years, the Foundation has provided the University with $242 million in direct support.

“We are blessed to have incredible people who support WVU. Every gift helps and when added together the impact of this generosity is beyond measure,” WVU President Jim Clements said. “These gifts help our students, faculty and staff achieve in ways that would not otherwise be possible. I want to thank all of our donors from all over the state, country and world. We are humbled by your trust in us and will work hard every day to make you proud.”

The Foundation’s annual giving program – The University Fund – recorded its highest yearly total ever as in well in FY12, approximately $21.3 million, up from $19.8 million in the previous year.

WVU Health Sciences Development also had a record year receiving $32 million, up from $21.2 million in FY11.

“This past year, more than ever, donors who support WVU Health Sciences recognize the healthcare needs of the people of this state and know that we can make a difference when we work together,” said Christopher C. Colenda, M.D., M.P.H., WVU chancellor for health sciences. “Thanks to their generosity, we are moving forward and working to transform lives and eliminate health disparities through our research, education and service programs to the state.”

Also contributing to the Foundation’s fundraising success in FY12 was a record set by the Mountaineer Athletic Club at $26.8 million for the year.

“It’s been an exciting year for Mountaineer athletics as we move into the Big 12 Conference,” said WVU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Oliver Luck. “The donors to our Mountaineer Athletic Club know the challenges that are ahead of us and have responded with their full support. We have more work to do, but the challenges will be exciting and the support of our MAC members will be crucial as we move into our new conference.”

In addition to the in-kind gift from Siemens, several other significant gifts contributed to the record-setting total, including the remaining matching dollars – $18.2 million – from the state Research Trust Fund.

In June, the Foundation launched its largest comprehensive campaign in the history of the University, $750 million. A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University brought in $538 million during the quiet phase. The public phase runs through December 2015.

Chartered in 1954, the WVU Foundation is a private non-profit corporation that generates, receives and administers private gifts for the benefit of West Virginia University.

-WVU-

bn/8/06/2012

CONTACT: Bill Nevin, WVU Foundation
304-376-1143; wnevin@wvuf.org

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