University Park, Pa. — Penn State's alumni and friends gave more than $61.5 million in December 2009, surpassing any other one-month total in the school's history, said University President Graham B. Spanier today (Jan. 22). Spanier indicated the robust total reflects a growing excitement about For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students.
"During the previous fiscal year, we saw a record number of alumni donors," said Spanier. "Our donors continue their loyalty to Penn State, and we are most grateful to each of them for their exceedingly generous support, which is essential to the University's future."
The December 2009 receipts total more than $17 million beyond the previous Penn State record of $44.4 million, set in December 2005. "Since official counting for the campaign began on Jan. 1, 2007, we've seen new levels of support for the University," said Peter G. Tombros, volunteer chair of For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students. "The campaign's objectives, especially our focus on keeping a Penn State education affordable through scholarships, are resonating with our alumni and friends."
Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Rodney P. Kirsch noted that while the December total reflects 11 gifts of $1 million or more, a significant amount of the support came from a broad base of donors giving at every level. More than 52,000 December gifts were received from about 44,000 donors. Last December's receipts also include some early pledge payments.
"A few donors who made five-year commitments to the campaign are now in a position to fulfill those commitments ahead of schedule," said Kirsch. "Our alumni and friends want to see their gifts at work, and they know that Penn State students need their support as soon as possible."
The record-breaking December comes as the University prepares for the formal launch of For the Future on April 23, 2010.
"The campaign's momentum has been growing steadily over the last two years despite the ups and downs in the economy," said Spanier. "Our success in December confirms that more than ever before, Penn Staters want to make a difference for our University and our students."