Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has made history by exceeding its $10-million fundraising goal for the 2024 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024. In total, EKU has raised $10,005,663 and counting. This fundraising achievement surpasses the previous record high of $9,968,280 during the 2021 fiscal year.
“EKU has reached a historic milestone as we have achieved the highest fiscal year fundraising goal in our university’s history. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our alumni, donors and community,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Fundraising efforts are vital to our university’s mission, enabling us to enhance academic excellence, award scholarships and provide our students with the resources to succeed. Together, we are building a brighter future for the entire Colonel family.”
Many efforts contributed to exceeding the university’s fundraising goal including the unprecedented success of EKU’s fifth annual Giving Day on Wednesday, April 17. EKU surpassed its goal of 2,324 donors, reaching 2,477 donors and raising more than $720,000 in 24 hours. The funds were allocated to scholarships and supporting programs across campus. This year marked the highest amount of funds raised during a single Giving Day since the annual tradition began in 2019.
“We are immensely proud of the commitment from our giving community and the hard work shown by our faculty and staff in reaching this extraordinary fundraising success,” said Mary Beth Neiser, vice president for university development and alumni engagement. “Their unwavering support and efforts have been instrumental in achieving this historic goal. It is through their passion and collaboration that we continue to advance our mission and create lasting impacts for our students and the Commonwealth.”
In this fiscal year alone, EKU created 24 new funds for scholarships and programmatic support. Additionally, EKU awarded more scholarships in the 2023-24 academic year than in the 2022-23 academic year, distributing 2,546 scholarships.
Many students rely on scholarships to alleviate financial barriers and ensure they can achieve their educational goals.
“I come from an impoverished family in an area that is just as economically behind. I have been unable to financially prepare for my college journey because of my lack of ability and opportunity. The Whitaker Foundation, Inc. Scholarship will allow me to continue my education while lifting some of the financial burden that has been a constant obstacle for me,” said EKU sociology student, Cody Coots.
EKU prides itself on putting students first. EKU’s fundraising efforts are crucial to ensuring the university can offer innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, financial assistance and comprehensive support services that empower students to excel both academically and personally.
Join the success and give before the end of the fiscal year online at go.eku.edu/give. The fiscal year ends June 30, 2024.