Mississippi State University has announced that it has shattered a single-year state record by raising $259.9 million in Fiscal Year 2023, marking the 10th consecutive year of private gifts totaling $100 million or above.
The university’s fundraising success was made possible through contributions from over 20,000 people, according to school officials.
Alumni participation reached over 19 percent, well above the national average of eight percent in the measure of support among former students. Additionally, nearly 6,600 individuals contributed to MSU for the first time and more than $5.3 million of the total funds raised were accounted for by gifts of $1,000 or below.
“This unprecedented level of support for Mississippi State University is an extraordinary investment in the people and communities we serve. We are proud to have earned the faith and trust of our friends and alumni who recognize how we are taking care of what matters and who also know we will be good stewards of their gifts,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said.
Counted among the FY 23 fundraising total is a collective $40.2 million in deferred gifts. These planned commitments, established through a variety of methods including bequests, IRA rollovers, and charitable gift annuities, among others, will fuel future opportunities for various academic disciplines, facilities, student and faculty support, and outreach efforts in the coming years.
The donations enabled more than 5,000 private scholarships amounting to more than $11 million to be awarded to students in FY 23.
Gifts supporting scholarships include additional Loyalty and Legacy Scholarships and funds for the MSU Compass Scholars program, all of which expand MSU’s efforts to attract top students.
More specific awards include the Coach Mike Leach Endowed Scholarship, created in memory of the late MSU football coach, as well as others benefitting areas such as engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, creative and performing arts, and business.
Other gifts will support fundraising priorities such as scholarships and academic programming, enhanced research and community outreach, faculty support, and campus infrastructure at MSU.
