Gustavus Adolphus College surpassed its fundraising goals for the fiscal year 2007-08, ending May 31, 2008. As of June 3, $12,078,048 had been raised, exceeding the college’s overall annual fundraising goal of $11,870,000.
“Raising $12 million represents an increase of 17.4 percent over the last fiscal year’s overall fundraising mark and raising $12 million in outright gifts outside of a tornado or capital campaign has never before been achieved at Gustavus,” said Teresa Harland, associate vice president for institutional advancement at Gustavus. “What a way to celebrate Jim Peterson’s tenure as president and welcome new President Jack and Kris Ohle.”
“It is all thanks to our philanthropic partners — alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations, and others — who contributed the funds needed to surpass our $11.87 million overall gift income goal,” Harland said.
The college also experienced the largest unrestricted giving total in history with $1.97 million contributed to the college’s annual fund. The annual fund goal for 2007-08 was $1.95 million.
“The Gustavus Board of Trustees played a decisive leadership role in the annual fund success,” said Harland. “Toward the end of the fiscal year, three Gustavus trustees committed an additional $75,000 over and above what they had already given. This inspired others to give.”
Gustavus alumni are proud and loyal “Gusties” and this year the alumni annual fund participation rate was 31.46 percent.
Ending the annual fund year with a total of $1,978,404 in outright unrestricted gifts represents a 15 percent increase over last year’s total. The annual fund is included in the overall annual fundraising numbers. More details and statistics on the Annual Fund/Gustavus Fund are online.
“We are pleased to celebrate this accomplishment, and more importantly, we look forward to continuing and building upon this greater sense of philanthropy as we propel Gustavus into the future,” said President Jim Peterson.
Future gifts may be made online at gustavus.edu/giving, by calling 866-487-3863, or by mail to the Office of Institutional Advancement, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 W. College Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510