This article is from the EMU News Archive. The approximate date of publication was in July 2003. Current EMU news is available at www.emu.edu/news
EMU Gifts Are Second Highest in History
Despite an uncertain economy, Eastern Mennonite University received $6.1 million in total gift income for the 2002-2003 fiscal year, which ended June 30, the second highest in the school's 86-year history, according to Richard L. Gunden, vice president for advancement. EMU received a record $7.1 million in total contributions the previous year.
The brightest spot in the contribution picture was a record $1,368,705 received in unrestricted gifts for the University Fund, a 14 percent increase over 2001-2002, Gunden noted. He attributed much of the increase to ?strong alumni giving" as well as to ?more persons giving at the $5,000 level or above."
The University Fund helps provide financial assistance to students and assists with technology upgrades and other annual operating expenses.
Restricted giving to EMU just over $4.7 million compared to $5.9 million last year, Gunden reported. The figures include a $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc to fund a broad-based program to help create a "culture of calling" for young persons to seriously consider theological
inquiry and study.
Restricted gifts also include donations to the University Commons, direct scholarships to students, and special programs such as the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival, the Conflict Transformation Program and radio station WEMC-FM.
Just over $450,000 in endowment gifts was also received during the year, compared to $1,037,000 the previous year.
Alumni led the way in giving with $628,632 to the University Fund ? some $49,000 above last year - and $955,132 in restricted gifts. The ?friends" category also saw a 16 percent giving increase, with $320,520 to the University Fund. More than 60 percent of EMU faculty and staff gave over $83,000 in unrestricted gifts.
Unrestricted contributions from churches were down over last year to $107,698, but overall congregational giving is actually on the rise, Gunden said, because "more churches are giving direct aid to students through a matching grant program.
"Congregations like to put faces with their gifts, and by participating in the church grant program they are helping students they know to benefit from EMU's distinctive program of Christian higher education," he stated.
"Overall, I'm pleased with the financial response to EMU's financial needs in the midst of a challenging year," Gunden said. ?Much of our annual contributions income is from donors' disposable income rather than investments, and I'm optimistic for the future."
"We are so grateful for the many faculty, staff and friends who are committed to our university vision of 'academic excellence, creative process, professional competence and passionate Christian faith,'" said EMU interim president Beryl H. Brubaker. "On behalf of the university, I want to thank each person who contributed financially as well as through prayers and other support in so many ways," she added.Posted: July 14, 2003
