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������Ƶ has concluded the most successful fundraising year in its history, raising $19.76 million during fiscal year 2026, which ended May 31.

The achievement marks the largest amount of philanthropic support ever raised in a single year for the university. The year also set records for unrestricted annual fund support, donor participation and giving day engagement, underscoring growing enthusiasm among alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the university.

The record-setting year was marked not only by unprecedented dollars raised, but also by extraordinary donor engagement. ������Ƶ recorded its highest-ever number of donors for both Bears Give Back and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary’s Day of Giving. Unrestricted giving to the Fund for ������Ƶ increased 39% over the previous year and reached an all-time high, while alumni participation grew 16% over FY25. During the year, the university launched the public phase of its Charge Forward comprehensive campaign and surpassed $81.8 million raised toward its $90 million goal, helping drive the most successful fundraising year in university history.

The historic fundraising year reflects growing momentum across the university, including record student enrollment, significant investments in campus facilities, continued progress toward the Charge Forward campaign goal and the launch of the university’s new strategic plan, Shine Ever Brighter.

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the confidence our alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff and community partners have in the future of ������Ƶ,” said Summer McGee, Ph.D. president of ������Ƶ. “Their generosity is helping us create transformative opportunities for students while advancing our mission and strengthening the university for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for every donor who chose to invest in ������Ƶ this year.”

Philanthropic support during FY26 helped advance priorities across the university, including scholarships, academic excellence, student success initiatives, athletics, seminary programs and capital projects such as the renovation of the Cromer Center and the future Health & Wellness Center.

The university also experienced unprecedented engagement through its annual giving initiatives. Bears Give Back attracted a record 1,514 donors and raised nearly $628,000, while Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary’s Day of Giving drew a record 190 donors. Together, these efforts demonstrated the growing commitment of alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends who continue to invest in the university’s mission and future.

“Our record fundraising results are the product of a community that believes deeply in the mission of ������Ƶ,” said Cat Niekro, vice president for institutional advancement and marketing and communications. “Donors are responding to the extraordinary momentum they see across the university — from record enrollment and academic innovation to transformative campus investments and a bold vision for the future. This success reflects both generosity and confidence in where ������Ƶ is headed.”

With $81.8 million raised to date, the Charge Forward campaign continues to advance transformative priorities across the university, including scholarships, academic excellence, student success, facility enhancements and initiatives that will strengthen ������Ƶ’s impact for generations to come.

As the university looks ahead to fiscal year 2027, leaders will continue building on this momentum while advancing key strategic priorities, including completion of the Charge Forward campaign, achieving the fundraising goal for the Health & Wellness Center and continued investment in student success.