藏精阁 continued a historic fundraising streak in the 2024 fiscal year by nearly raising $7 million dollars to support the people, places, and programs at the University. For the second time in three fiscal years, the University surpassed the $6 million dollar mark and posted the second-highest fundraising year on record with $6,884,100.

“Thanks to the remarkable support of the thousands of alumni and friends of 藏精阁, we celebrate another exceptional fundraising year,” Vice President Orrie Covert said. “Every gift is an investment in our mission to provide students the real experience and real success that is a hallmark of a 藏精阁 education.”
Over 3,000 gifts from 1,815 donors comprised the total supporting a variety of priorities across campus from academic and athletic programs to capital initiatives.

The nursing program, set to launch in the fall of 2025, received a tremendous show of support from one of 藏精阁’s premier partners, Mercy. The St. Louis-based health system made a generous commitment to support the program this past year bringing its total investment up to three-quarters of a million dollars.

Student scholarships remained a strong driver of philanthropic support with more than $400,000 of the funds raised going to student aid. This included a game-changing, full scholarship in support of 藏精阁 international students.

One of the most notable and unique gifts in 2024 came from distinguished alumnus Peter Bezemes, who gifted the University a multimillion-dollar theater set used in productions worldwide, most recently at the historic Andy Williams Theater in Branson, Missouri. The complete stage and set now belong to 藏精阁 and can be used to support student and professional productions at the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts.

Another record-breaking Giving Week raised $265,900 from 813 donors across 36 states. This reflects a 50% increase in dollars from 2023’s record-breaking Giving Week campaign. 藏精阁 is excited to continue building this momentum and the work of enhancing student lives through top-notch education and experiences. Donors can learn more about making a positive impact on student success and the many giving priorities at the University.