Contact: Amy Cagle

STARKVILLE, Miss.—For the second consecutive year, Mississippi State has topped the $100 million mark in fundraising, with Fiscal Year 2015 resulting in the highest single year giving total in the 137-year-old university’s history.

More than $109.6 million was contributed to MSU during FY 15, an increase of over $3 million from FY 14.

“The generosity of donors has sparked the highest giving year in Mississippi State University history and marked the second time in our organized fundraising that we’ve experienced back-to-back $100 million plus years,” said John P. Rush, vice president for development and alumni, and president and CEO of the MSU Foundation.

He added, “We were pleased to exceed $106 million in FY 14, and we are deeply grateful to surpass $109 million for FY 15. This is a trend in giving we hope to experience for the foreseeable future.”   

Of the total funds raised for FY 15, new gifts accounted for more than $48.5 million, while new pledges totaled nearly $25.9 million. A strong year in deferred gifts made up the remaining $35.2 million plus.

Fiscal Year 2015 giving totals represent gifts from some 23,776 alumni, friends, corporations and foundations.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum said, “Private support is more important now than at any time in the history of our institution, and the generosity of people who believe in and support Mississippi State’s mission is critical to maintaining our momentum as we pursue national stature in all areas.” 

Keenum continued, “This level of giving is a tribute to our loyal donors who enable our institution to take our research and service endeavors global on a daily basis.”

Along with a monumental year, MSU’s capital campaign known as Infinite Impact continues at a rapid pace, reaching nearly $586.4 million toward a $600 million goal. Funds immediately available from the capital campaign will benefit colleges, schools and programs across campus. Mississippi State will continue to place an emphasis on Infinite Impact priorities through 2018.

Additionally in FY 15, the proportion of former students who contributed to MSU climbed slightly from 18 to almost 19 percent.

“The proportion of alumni who contributed during FY 15 reached 18.8 percent in part because of the work of the MSU Alumni Association. This percentage is significant since the number of alumni giving to their degree-granting institutions appears to be down nationally,” Rush said.  

Rush acknowledged, “Mississippi State is extremely proud of the proportion of alumni who gave in FY 15. The faith these former students continue to show in the institution and the value these individuals place on their MSU education will help us grow over time.” 

The university also experienced growth in online contributions through the university-wide annual giving program. Gifts via the MSU Foundation’s website accessible at www.msufoundation.com may be designated for any area of MSU.

Founded in 1962, the MSU Foundation administers the majority of the university’s fundraising activities. MSU’s current endowment is approaching $500 million.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.