Pride through philanthropy: TU fundraising hits record high

Towson University raised more than $14 million in FY 2019.

By Sean Welsh on September 13, 2019

TU marks a record breaking year in fundraising

For the first time ever, Towson University surpassed $10 million in fundraising in back to back years, and it did so in grand fashion.

Through gifts totaling more than $14 million, TU can celebrate a new record high in philanthropic support.

“With a 34 percent increase in year-over-year fundraising, our momentum is strong, and it is only growing stronger,” President Kim Schatzel said. “Through philanthropy, we are tapping into our community’s incredible pride in Towson University and enhancing our capacity to make world-changing impact.” 

The final tally for FY 2019 was $14,085,220 in funds raised.

As the calendar begins to turn to 2020, TU's Division of University of Advancement is deep into planning the roll-out of a comprehensive capital campaign to harness TU's momentum.

A record year only assures that the time is right.

“As TU enters the public phase of an historic comprehensive campaign, a record-setting fundraising year provides incredible momentum and is nothing short of remarkable," said Brian DeFilippis, vice president for university advancement. "This exceptional achievement was made possible through the generosity and dedication of the entire TU community – alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff and students. This campaign will accomplish much with the continued outstanding support of our many fantastic donors.”

A number of significant gifts and grants contributed to this record-setting year, including:

  • A $500,000 grant from the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative Fund helped to establish an endowed professorship in cyber education and research.
  • A $500,000 gift from the France-Merrick Foundation established an endowed scholarship.
  • A gift of more than $400,000 from Barbara Hill and Ancelmo Lopes established a program in the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics to support excellence in education, mentoring, and academic development of women in STEM
  • A $1 million estate gift from Dr. Eddie Loh, retired TU faculty member
  • Giving from members of the University Board of Visitors exceeded $700,000, led by a significant contributions from TU alumna and Presidential Scholar Dr. Nancy Grasmick.

TU faculty and staff also contributed mightily to this year's success. The total number of faculty and staff contributing grew more than 66 percent over the prior year. More than 1,000 employees contributed more than $800,000 to hundreds of funds across campus. The College of Business and Economics led the way, with 75 percent of faculty and staff taking part.

In addition, TU also held a first ever giving week in spring and the results went beyond expectations. TU Big Give enlisted the support of over 1,200 donors and raised over $100,000 in support for various projects and programs across the institution.

TU alumni engaged in all new ways in 2018-2019, building even more Tiger pride. From new alliances forming through the Alumni Association to the new TigerConnect alumni engagement platform, TU's lifelong Tigers found new ways to gather around similar interests and experiences.

Finally, the Towson University Foundation launched its Grant Program during FY 2019, awarding $100,000 to four projects led by TU faculty and staff.

Feel compelled to join the movement to make FY 2020 another record year? .

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: Culture of Philanthropy.