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SMU athletics celebrates record-breaking $159M fundraising

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SMU athletics celebrates record-breaking $159M fundraising

Postby PonyPride » Tue Jun 18, 2024 10:18 am

From SMUMustangs.com:

SMU Athletics Celebrates Record-Breaking Fundraising Year Heading Into The ACC

DALLAS (SMU) – The SMU Athletics Department is thrilled to announce a historic milestone in its fundraising efforts, raising a record-breaking $159 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This unprecedented achievement underscores the unwavering support and commitment of the SMU community, alumni, and supporters towards advancing the university's athletic programs.

This landmark fundraising year was punctuated by an unprecedented $100 million donated in just seven days following the September 1 announcement that SMU would be joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) on July 1, 2024. These transformative gifts came from the newly formed First Week Society, a collection of 30 individuals whose generosity launched a $125 million campaign to support the department's transition to the ACC.

Additionally, fundraising success was highlighted by a record number of principal and major gifts, as well as a record number of Mustang Club members.

Fundraising success was punctuated by:
A record 4 eight-figure gifts
A record 35 seven-figure gifts
A record 82 six-figure gifts
Capital Support: A substantial portion of the funds will be dedicated to the Weber End Zone Complex, SMU's 192,500 square foot football operations center and club space set to open for the 2024 football season
ACC Competitiveness Campaign: Following the First Week Society's $100 million, SMU launched a $25 million campaign with 100% of the proceeds benefitting the department's transition to the ACC.
A record 4,831 Mustang Club members

"We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our donors, alumni, and the entire SMU community," said Rick Hart, SMU Director of Athletics. "This record-breaking fundraising year is a testament to the belief in our vision for SMU Athletics and our commitment to excellence as we enter the ACC. The unprecedented contributions from the First Week Society and all who gave to support our mission will have a lasting impact on our programs, our student-athletes and our university."
In recognition of the department's achievements, the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) named Josh Whittenburg, Associate AD of Development, University Fundraiser of the Year.
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Re: SMU athletics celebrates record-breaking $159M fundraisi

Postby Lotus » Thu Jun 20, 2024 7:06 pm

A year ago, Texas A&M led the nation in athletic fundraising at $115 million.

I wasn't a math major, but this beats that by $44 million.

Wow.
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