WKU News & Events

April 29, 2002

WKU Surpasses $10 Million Mark
In Annual Giving

Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University has surpassed the $10 million mark in annual gifts
for the first time in its 96-year history.

According to Tom Hiles, WKU's vice president for Institutional Advancement, as of March 30, 2002, cash gifts to the University totaled $10.3 million with a quarter remaining in the 2001-2002 fiscal year. This represents a 34 percent increase over the amount raised at this time last year, and a 243 percent increase over the amount raised during the entire fiscal year just five years ago.

"Of all the Campaign goals established, reaching a $10 million goal for annual cash deposits was the most challenging," Hiles said. "Surpassing the $10 million mark with three months left in the fiscal year is a testament to the loyalty and commitment of our alumni and friends. We are very grateful."

WKU President Gary Ransdell said the generous support of alumni and friends is making it possible for Western to enhance faculty capacities, recruit the best students and improve facilities. "The public-private collaborations we are beginning to enjoy at Western offer strong encouragement for a bright future," he said. "Because of this support, students really can expect the best at Western."

Mary Nixon, co-chair of the "Investing in the Spirit" Campaign and vice president for Shared Services at Tricon Financial Services in Louisville, called reaching this mark an "awesome achievement."

"Thanks to Dr. Ransdell's leadership and vision as well as the generosity of our alumni and friends, we have made exceptional progress in the last five years," she said.

"Investing in the Spirit" is a five-year comprehensive campaign designed to strengthen the people, places, and programs which make Western unique. The campaign runs through June 30, 2003.

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.