July 30, 2001

WKU Has Fourth Consecutive Record For Fund Raising; Cash Commitments Increase 20 Percent

Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University announced today that during the 2000-2001 fiscal year, actual gift deposits to the University grew to $9.8 million - a 20 percent increase over last year and a 72 percent increase over what was raised two years ago.

"We are very pleased and excited by our progress this past fiscal year," said Tom Hiles, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations. "Thanks to the support of our loyal alumni and friends, we have had the most successful fund-raising year in Western's history."

In addition, Hiles said nearly $63 million in gifts and pledges has been received through the "Investing in the Spirit Campaign." The $78 million campaign began on July 1, 1998, and was announced publicly with $42.9 in hand on April 27, 2000.

Other giving highlights for 2000-2001 include:

• Giving by faculty and staff increased 275 percent in gifts and more than 77 percent in donors over the past year. More than 670 members of the faculty and staff gave nearly $400,000 last year.
• President's Circle membership grew to a record 1,082 members - a 29 percent increase over last year, and a 104 percent increase over membership numbers two years ago. The President's Circle recognizes donors who give at least $1,000 annually to the University.
• Gifts from corporations and foundations rose to more than $4 million; this is a 24 percent increase over last year and a 103 percent increase over dollars raised two years ago.

"The progress of the campaign and the increased annual cash flow from gifts provide strong encouragement to our faculty and staff and sustain the progress underway at Western," said WKU President Gary Ransdell. "Our fund-raising success is entirely due to the confidence and generosity exhibited by thousands of donors whose gifts at value to the Western experience. We are grateful."

Don Vitale, co-chair of the "Investing in the Spirit Campaign," said, "The strong financial results being realized from the campaign will help achieve President Ransdell's goal of making Western the best university in the Commonwealth and among the best in the nation."

Co-chair Mary Nixon agrees.
"The 'Investing in the Spirit Campaign' has really been a catalyst for funding Western's strategic initiatives," she said. "It has also given alumni, faculty and friends of Western a new level of momentum and enthusiasm for finding bold and innovative ways for Western to deliver education and services to the students and communities we serve."

For more information, contact Tom Hiles at (270) 745-6208. More WKU news is available on the World Wide Web at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via E-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.