October 28, 1999

University System of Maryland Fundraising in Record Year

Private Giving Hits $150 Million Mark


The University System of Maryland is reporting a record year in gifts and pledges from private sources, as it closes out its fourth year of a seven-year comprehensive campaign to raise $700 million by 2002. All told, private giving to the System's 13 institutions reached $149.2 million in Fiscal Year 1999 - a 13 percent increase from last year and a 50 percent rise over the past two years. To date, the total amount given to the "Make a Lasting Impression" campaign is $473 million - well over halfway to the overall goal.

"The net effect of our success in raising private revenues is a marked increase in the quality of our institutions," said USM Chancellor Donald N. Langenberg. "In the coming years, you're going to see more high-profile faculty members, more groundbreaking research, and most importantly, more high-quality students produced by the University System of Maryland. By increasing our endowment, we are raising the bar on our abilities. Setting a new record in giving is a sign from our supporters that we are moving in the right direction."

Langenberg credited the fundraising operations of the 13 USM institutions with seeking out thousands of donors who have participated in the campaign, including 78 donors who have given at least $1 million.

"The presidents, vice presidents and fundraising staffs of each of our campuses have done a remarkable job in reaching out to the donors," Langenberg said. "Just five years ago we were raising less than $90 million a year, and now we're close to raising twice that much on an annual basis. Obviously, the learning curve has been very steep, but the advancement teams have been more than up to the challenge. Yes, the stock market has been good for fundraising of all kinds, but you still have to convince donors of the need for private giving - you still have to tell your story well. The USM institutions are doing just that."

Contact:

Chris Hart
Phone: 301/445-2739
Pager: 301/507-2316
E-mail: chart@usmh.usmd.edu