Kutztown University Foundation Hits Fundraising Record for Fiscal Year
July 1, 2019
Read the end of year letter
The Kutztown University Foundation has announced a record $6.12 million raised in the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19), which ran from July 1, 2018–June 30, 2019. This takes the Foundation over the $6 million mark for the first time in our history.
"I want to sincerely thank all of those who have helped us make this an historic year for the Kutztown University Foundation," said Alex Ogeka, executive director. "Together we have shown the world what it means to be a Golden Bear."
The record was met with a $1.75 million gift to the College of Visual and Performing Arts on June 11, the largest gift in the college's history. The project and donor will be announced later this summer.
In addition to the record dollars raised, the Foundation recognized several achievements for FY19
- The endowment fund has increased to $32 million. The KU Foundation Board of Directors has decided to increase our spending rate for all endowed funds to 4% for next fiscal year, providing an additional $175,000 in scholarships to our students.
- Our inaugural 1866 Minute Giving Challenge on April 25–26 saw more than 1,500 donors make gifts totaling nearly $152,000 to support our students.
- The Foundation Board welcomed Sue Pichini, Jeff Fussner ’85, Nico Goffredo ’15 and Kelly Loughery ’21.
- The new Hampton Inn and Suites of Kutztown project is nearing completion. We look forward to the grand opening celebration in October and are very excited to be able to welcome back all of our alumni for Homecoming on October 26.
- Our team completed an alumni survey project in the fall. I encourage you to view the results on our website. We look forward to using these results for improved programming and offerings to our alumni in the future.
- As of July 1, the KU Alumni Board of Directors has transitioned to an Alumni Council. This restructuring project allows this dedicated group to focus their attention on three main areas: recruitment, enhancing the student experience, and participating in a future comprehensive fundraising campaign.
- The communications staff rebranded the Foundation and redesigned the entire website, www.kuf.org
- Kutztown University and the KU Foundationlaunched a lifelong learning program, offering free courses for all alumni of the university. Different classes will be offered each semester on a variety of topics and alumni are welcome to take one or both courses.
- The development team created the Golden Bear Athletic Club, which provides scholarships and other vital assistance to student athletes competing in 21 intercollegiate sports.
- Our team partnered with the university to launch the Kutztown University Arts Society, which helps advance and support the visual and performing arts at KU as well as provides new opportunities for arts education in our local community.
- A new partnership with Nationwide Insurance will now provide discounted benefits for all Kutztown University alumni.
- The USA Today 10BestReaders’ Choice Travel Awards named the Kutztown Folk Festival as one of the top two cultural festivals in the country. The festival was selected as the runner-up to 20 nationwide cultural festivals and placed as a finalist beside the likes of the Water Lantern Festival, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. We look forward to seeing you at the 70th annual Kutztown Folk Festival which runs through July 7.
- The KU Presidential Ambassadors won the CASE ASAP District II Organization of the Year Award for 2018–2019. Members of the executive board have been accepted to present at the National Conference this August in Baltimore about their program Dinner with Golden Bears.
- KU alumni and friends of the Foundation gave nearly 8,000 engagement hours of their time.