By Tony Phifer

Colorado State University alumni, friends and other supporters once again have backed the University in record-breaking fashion, donating a combined $172.3 million for the fiscal year that ended June 30.

The total shatters the previous fundraising record of $143.3 million set last year, and gives CSU four consecutive years of record fundraising. In addition, CSU saw the largest single cash gift in University history and set a record for total donors – more than 34,000 – along with its best-ever alumni participation, 10.34 percent. Even as the state of Colorado has worked to bolster its support for higher education, private donations to the University continue to greatly exceed public support from the state.

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“We are exceedingly grateful to all the alumni and friends who came forward this year to support our University and its mission to serve Colorado and the world,” said CSU President Tony Frank. “CSU is on an upward trajectory in academics, research, and athletics, and we can’t settle for less than excellence in any part of the University. Private giving has that transformative impact. The generosity and vision of our donors helps Colorado State reach for new heights, break new ground in teaching and research, and create an even better environment for learning and discovery.

Private support at CSU has more than tripled in the last five years, providing resources for student scholarships, academic programs, research, athletics, outreach initiatives and construction efforts. Five of CSU’s eight colleges, plus the Department of Athletics, surpassed the $10 million mark in fundraising this year.

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