FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama has set a record for fundraising, securing $22,865,000 in the most recent fiscal year, which officially concluded Sept. 30. Among the other highlights from the year is the growth in the donor base for a second consecutive year, and the largest gift in the history of the College of Business and Technology was secured, according to UNA officials.
“The University has made great strides in a number of remarkable areas – from record-breaking enrollment to our full NCAA Division I status in Lion Athletics – and this hallmark of success is just as significant and meaningful,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “Our donors are special in the life of the institution, and they are partners in ensuring success now as well as long into the future.”
It is the second consecutive year that an increased number of unique donors has given a gift to support the University, its faculty, and/or its students. This is a significant hallmark of success as the UNA Foundation’s stated purpose is to develop a relationship with all alumni and friends and to give them the opportunity to connect to the University in the manner that is the most meaningful to them.
“We truly believe that every person matters, and that they key to success in any endeavor is the relationships we have with them,” said Kevin Haslam, Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the UNA Foundation. “This truly remarkable year is simply the natural outcome of developing meaningful relationships and empowering people to do what is deeply meaningful to them.”
The $22,865,000 raised this year in new gifts and commitments is a significant increase over the previous record of $12,673,900, which was raised in 2018. In this historic year, the largest gifts in the history of the University – $6,500,000 – as well as the largest gift in the history of the College of Business and Technology – $2,502,000 – were secured. This year also saw an historic month in March when more than 1,000 gave a gift of $10 or more to the University in support of the 1830 Giving Day Initiative.
“This year has been absolutely phenomenal, and there truly are not words to express the depth of our gratitude,” Haslam said. “We developed a mantra that says, ‘Your passion. Your philanthropy. Every gift. Ever giver. Matters.’ This historic year happened because of remarkable men and women who believe in this great University, and they choose to make a difference with their philanthropy.”
Media Release/University Media and Public Relations
UNA
