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Nearly 2,700 donors contributed to �ǿ����޴�ý during the fiscal year, supporting students, academic programs, athletics, scholarships, facilities, and University priorities. The breadth of this support reflects the many ways alumni, families, friends, and other members of the �ǿ����޴�ý community continue to invest in the University. 

As part of the University’s 125th anniversary celebration, the �ǿ����޴�ý community came together for the , the institution’s annual day of giving in support of students. Donors contributed more than $685,000, nearly doubling the University’s goal of $350,000. This year’s Forever True Blue campaign placed a special emphasis on supporting scholarships for the next generation of Big Blue alumni. Donors could direct gifts to scholarship funds supporting �ǿ����޴�ý’s academic colleges and schools, Annual Scholarships, scholar programs, and named endowed scholarships.

In addition, the giving initiative generated more than $100,000 in support. The campaign more than doubled its original fundraising goal of $50,000, reflecting the strong connection between �ǿ����޴�ý Athletics and its alumni, families, fans and supporters. Funds raised through the campaign will directly support student-athletes and the resources that help them succeed in both competition and the classroom.   

The University also from the estate of Helen Cox Kersting ’56, the largest scholarship gift in the history of the College of Fine Arts. This gift is a testament to the lasting impact planned giving can have on future generations of students. Gifts such as these provide critical support for scholarships, academic programs, and institutional priorities while helping ensure �ǿ����޴�ý’s continued strength for years to come.  
 
These gifts represent just a portion of the philanthropic investment received by �ǿ����޴�ý during fiscal year 2026. Donors also contributed to student support services like the �ǿ����޴�ý Market, which directly addresses food insecurity within the campus community, as well as the Linda Slagell Student Success Fund, providing emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected expenses. 
 
“The success of these efforts reflects a growing investment in �ǿ����޴�ý’s future and belief in the transformative power of a �ǿ����޴�ý education,” said Rick Darnell, Vice President of University Advancement. “We are grateful for every donor who chose to invest in �ǿ����޴�ý, whether through an annual gift, a scholarship, a planned gift, or another form of support. Together, these investments make a meaningful difference for our students and strengthen the University for the future.” 
 
Philanthropic support helps �ǿ����޴�ý expand access through scholarships, strengthen academic and co-curricular opportunities, support student-athletes, enhance facilities, and advance priorities that directly affect the student experience.

Support & Giving

Private support is critical to the mission of �ǿ����޴�ý University, and donors have opportunities to make a difference across the University in ways that reflect their charitable interests and financial objectives. To learn more about how you can support students, faculty, research, and state-of-the-art facilities, visit with professionals in our �ǿ����޴�ý University Alumni & Development Office, call (217) 424-6383, or visit the University giving pages by clicking .