PITT HAS BEST FUNDRAISING YEAR IN ITS HISTORY Contributions in latest fiscal year top $82 million; more than double FY95 levels

PITTSBURGH, July 25 -- The University of Pittsburgh received more than $82 million in voluntary support from July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2000, the largest single-year fundraising total in the University's history. The $82,029,656 that the University received in FY2000 represents a 25 percent increase over last year's total of $65.8 million, and a 108 percent increase in giving over the past five years. That five-year rate of increase is double the most recent five-year national average of 55 percent for increased giving to education throughout the United States.

Giving was up in all categories compared to the previous year. Contributions from trustees increased by 73 percent to $3.2 million, and alumni contributions were up by 39 percent to $12.4 million. Foundations provided the largest dollar amount, with contributions totaling $38.7 million, an increase of 24 percent over FY99. Corporate support continued to be strong, with a total of $11.4 million, up by two percent, and contributions from other groups and sources increased by 13 percent, to $8.8 million.

Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, whose service began in 1995, termed the results "extremely gratifying," and said that they are another indication of the progress that the University is making towards fully achieving its ambitious goals.

"The unprecedented success in our private fundraising efforts of the past year provides further evidence of the broad-based support Pitt enjoys as one of the country's leading public universities," Nordenberg said. "Corporations, foundations, and individuals continue to make significant financial investments in the University. The past year's results are a tribute to the very effective efforts of the many people, both on and off campus, who have been involved in securing support for our important mission."

Carol Carter, vice chancellor for institutional advancement, echoed the Chancellor's thoughts. "The success we have achieved has been the result of a total team effort involving the trustees, alumni, volunteers, deans, administrators, faculty, and students, working with the staff in Institutional Advancement. Together we have forged partnerships with individuals, foundations, and corporations who share the University's vision and who have committed to helping accomplish it," she said.

Nordenberg noted that the resources provided through private fundraising are important to the University in a wide range of areas.

"These funds will enable us to further enhance the University's undergraduate programs and build additional strength in our graduate and professional offerings. They will permit us to add to the University's endowment, helping us to attract and retain the finest faculty, attack cost barriers for deserving students, and support programs that foster human development and add to the existing storehouse of knowledge," he said.

"This support will also enable us to renovate existing facilities and build new ones, in ways that will benefit our home communities as well as our own campuses," Nordenberg added.

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