Fiscal year 1998-99 was exceptional for the university in terms of private-giving support despite following a highly successful, six-year fund-raising campaign. The $71,388,318 received from the private sector was the most in Virginia Tech history, easily eclipsing last year's record amount by more than 45 percent.

"Given the year's results, you cannot say enough about the generosity of our donors," said Charles Steger, vice president of development and university relations. "They made the Campaign for Virginia Tech an unqualified success, and they continue to recognize that their support is essential to the university's future strength."

The year's performance was fueled by a $23 million gift of patents and equipment from DuPont to the College of Engineering. The gift--the largest ever made to the university--will help Tech researchers develop recyclable automotive parts, low-cost aircraft parts, and composite bridge beams. DuPont's donation was the prime reason corporations contributed just over 50 percent of the year's total. Foundations also raised their level of support, giving nearly $7.8 million and more than doubling their total of the previous year.

Individual donors also were major contributors, providing nearly $24.2 million. Alumni were the source of nearly $16.4 million of that amount, and students increased their support more than three-fold, thanks in large part to the success of the Senior Challenge Program, an annual giving initiative that encourages seniors to make a gift before they graduate. Friends, faculty/staff, and parents provided the balance of the donations.

Donors chose to direct a majority of their giving toward current operations and facilities. Monies earmarked for current operations added up to $29.5 million--an increase of more than $10 million compared to fiscal year 1997-98. Similarly, support for the university's capital facilities--most notably the Advanced Communications and Information Technology Center now under construction--rose dramatically from $6.8 million the previous year to better than $24 million in 1998-99. And gifts and commitments to the university's endowment totaled $12.4 million for the year.

Beneficiaries of this generosity were numerous. Among the colleges, both the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences surpassed last year's totals. Even discounting the DuPont gift, the College of Engineering attracted $1.3 million more from donors than last year, while support for the College of Arts and Sciences jumped 27 percent to $3.5 million. Donors also raised their support of Intercollegiate Athletics and WVTF to record levels. Intercollegiate athletics--mirroring the excellent performance of its teams--raised more than $8.9 million, a 45-percent increase over 1997-98. WVTF, which continues to rank as one of the best stations for its market size in the Public Broadcasting System, received $1.3 million from donors, a $500,000 increase over the previous 12 months.

So, whether it was the Student Calling Center generating a record $2.3 million in annual support from alumni and friends or the Ut Prosim Society--the university's most prestigious donor recognition organization--inducting 70 new members, fiscal year 1998-99 was an exceptional year for private giving in every respect.