Despite economic woes, UH surpassed the $100 million mark in donations for the first time in the University’s history.
Private funds of over $102 million came in during fiscal year 2010 from over 25,000 donors, which include alumni and others in the Houston community who are supporting the University’s efforts to achieve Tier One status. This milestone also boasts the largest amount of alumni support for the University.
“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming display of generosity of all of our donors and the Houston community, whose gifts are responsible for this record-breaking year,” President Renu Khator said in a news release.
Funds will be directed towards institutional and college priorities, with decisions on how the funds will be used being made by the president, provosts, and the dean of each school.
Destinations for the funds include Tier One scholarships, student success and experience, hiring, and support in energy, health, and the arts. Donors give to one or more of the priorities of their choice.
“Private support is given by donors to fund scholarships, libraries, research, faculty, academic programs, facilities, athletics and community outreach,” UH spokesperson Richard Bonnin said.
Every donation makes a difference, Bonnin said, and may affect many facets of the university, including the number of fellowships awarded, the chance for a student to study abroad or the possibility of faculty being able to attend national conferences.
“Higher education is important to the well-being of American society, and philanthropy is essential to ensure that higher education is accessible to every qualified and motivated student,” Bonnin said.
Some of the largest donations include $6 million from the C.T. Bauer foundation, which will go towards facility construction, research activity and program support. From the Hilton Foundation comes $4 million in endowment, program support, and matching funds.
An anonymous donation of $2 million has been given solely for Tier One scholarships.
“Our expectation is to keep this positive momentum going over the next several years as we continue our progress toward Tier One status,” Khator said in the news release. “The continued support of our donors will be vital to achieving that goal.”
In 2000, $87 million was raised, which was the previous record held for private donor support. Last year, $73 million in private funds was raised.
Isn't this lovely. Tuition keeps going UP, UH bought some crappy radio station to broadcast their own shows ( who listens to this anyway?). UH dosen't care about its students. Nothing is done about parking, armed robberies of students etc. The list is very long. All those problems, complaints that "UH dosen't have the money", and yet I read this. I am outraged! Invest the money! NOW!