Alumni fundraising is a cornerstone of many universities, driving innovation, research, and expansion. Across the world, alumni have been stepping up, making record-breaking donations that transform educational institutions and fuel their growth. These stories showcase the profound impact that alumni can have when they give back to their alma mater.
The top 5 University Alumni Fundraising Stories that Created History
Alumni often feel a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the education and experiences they received, motivating them to give back as a way of saying “thank you.” Let’s learn more about 5 of such notable examples-
The University of Texas at Dallas: A Historic Milestone
In 2023, the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) made headlines by raising over $96 million, its most successful fundraising year to date. A substantial portion—$85 million—came from alumni, friends, and corporate partners, while an additional $11 million was secured from the Texas Research Incentive Program. This achievement was a testament to the power of alumni engagement.
The New Dimensions Campaign
This historic milestone was part of UT Dallas’ broader “New Dimensions” campaign, aimed at raising $750 million. By 2023, the campaign had already passed its halfway mark with $390 million raised. UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson praised the contributions, calling them a reflection of the university’s transformative role in education and innovation.
The funds raised will enhance the university’s ability to support students and industry in North Texas, propelling UT Dallas towards its goal of becoming a leading centre of academic excellence.
Endowment Growth
One of the key highlights of UT Dallas’ fundraising success is the growth of its endowment. In 2023, the endowment reached a record $792 million, an impressive 42% growth since 2019. This growing endowment provides a strong foundation for the university’s future sustainability and long-term impact.
University of California Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) received a transformative $120 million donation in August 2024, from Dr. Gary Michelson and his wife Ayla Michelson. Their gift is directed towards the newly established California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, housed in a repurposed mall turned research park.
Funding for Vaccine Development and Immunology
The donation earmarks $50 million for rapid vaccine development and $50 million for leveraging the human microbiome to improve health outcomes. The remaining $20 million will fund grants to advance immunology and vaccine research.
The Michelsons’ vision is to position UCLA as a global leader in immunology research, aiming to develop advanced therapies to treat and cure major diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Columbia University: A Legacy of Biomedical Innovation
In August 2024, Columbia University’s medical school received a groundbreaking $400 million donation from Roy and Diana Vagelos. This historic gift will fund the Roy and Diana Vagelos Institute for Basic Biomedical Science and expand infrastructure to support cutting-edge biomedical research.
A New Hub for Innovation
Part of the donation will go towards constructing the Vagelos Innovation Laboratories, a state-of-the-art 55,000-square-foot facility dedicated to advanced biomedical research. This new building will enhance Columbia’s research capabilities and strengthen its position as a leader in the field of medical innovation.
The Vagelos family has long been key benefactors of Columbia University, with this latest donation marking another significant contribution to the institution’s growth and research endeavours.
Texas Woman’s University: Supporting the Next
In August 2024, Merrilee Kick, an alumna of Texas Woman’s University (TWU) and CEO of BuzzBallz made a $30 million donation to the university’s College of Business. This is the largest donation in the university’s history and will fund an innovation and entrepreneurship institute, a new building, and an entrepreneur-in-residence program.
A Commitment to Education and Entrepreneurship
Merrilee Kick credited her MBA from TWU with helping her create BuzzBallz, a billion-dollar company. She believes in the importance of teaching the next generation of entrepreneurs and wants to give back to the university that shaped her career.
This donation will help TWU develop future business leaders, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Texas and beyond.
University’s Alumni Fundraising Story: Black Medical Schools
In August 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies made a historic $175 million donation to three historically Black medical schools: Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Morehouse School of Medicine. This donation is part of Bloomberg’s initiative to address systemic underinvestment in Black communities and accelerate Black wealth accumulation.
Expanding Access to Healthcare Education
These donations will grow the endowments of each medical school, providing resources to expand access to quality healthcare education and addressing health disparities in underserved communities.
Michael Bloomberg’s commitment to increasing diversity in the medical field is a significant step towards ensuring that students from all backgrounds can pursue their dreams, while also working to eliminate health disparities.
Read more about the importance of Alumni Fundraising & Contributions to Your Institution.
Conclusion: University’s Alumni Fundraising Stories
The stories of alumni contributions from universities like UT Dallas, UCLA, Columbia, TWU, and others highlight the transformative impact that alumni can have on their alma maters. These donations not only fund research and infrastructure but also create opportunities for future generations of students.
Alumni fundraising is more than just a financial boost; it’s a statement of faith in the institution’s mission and a powerful way to give back. Whether it’s funding groundbreaking research, supporting new infrastructure, or expanding access to education, alumni contributions are helping universities worldwide shape the future. Comment below or connect with us to learn more about Alumni fundraising & contributions.
Sayantika is a psychology student who likes poetry, music, and movies. Her writing style is engaging, informative, and tailored to the specific needs of each subject. Whether it's blog posts or product descriptions, she knows how to create content that resonates with search engines and human readers.
