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Contact: Amy Cagle

STARKVILLE, Miss.ā€”Mississippi State leaders announced today [July 16] the single largest giving year in university history, marking the sixth consecutive year of raising in excess of $100 million.Ā 

For the just-ended fiscal year, the 141-year-old land-grant institution attracted $113.1 million in private gifts and pledges of future supportā€”an increase of $10.6 million from FY 2018ā€™s $102.5 million. The largest fundraising year previously recorded was in excess of $109.6 million during FY 2015.

ā€œThe generous support of alumni and friends places Mississippi State at the forefront of academic quality, student and faculty successes, and research-driven economic development,ā€ said Ļć½¶Ö±²„President Mark E. Keenum. ā€œWith consistent private support, weā€™re building our expertise and our reputation in critical areas that make a positive difference in our world.ā€

All commitments for FY 2019 are part of the universityā€™s ongoing Infinite Impact campaign, which has raised $965.5 million. Since beginning quietly in mid-2010, the campaign marches toward its $1 billion goal and a scheduled June 2020 conclusion.

ā€œThe signs of progress at Mississippi State are definitely apparent in our Infinite Impact campaign and in our six consecutive years of raising over $100 million,ā€ said John P. Rush, vice president for development and alumni and Ļć½¶Ö±²„Foundation CEO. ā€œOur university is experiencing growing numbers of first-time major gifts donors, and we anticipate continued response through the remainder of the campaign.ā€

Another noteworthy FY 2019 accomplishment is growth of the universityā€™s annual giving program, which amassed in excess of $2 million for the first time in school history. The percentage of former students who support Mississippi State surpassed 18 percent, a measure well above the national average and most of the universityā€™s peer institutions. Additionally, a strong year in deferred gifts marked an impressive 24 percent increase from FY 2018.

Founded in 1962, the Ļć½¶Ö±²„Foundation administers the majority of the universityā€™s fundraising activities. MSUā€™s current endowment totals some $525 million.

More on Ļć½¶Ö±²„fundraising is available at and specifics on the Infinite Impact campaign are available at .

Ļć½¶Ö±²„is Mississippiā€™s leading university, available online at .