FOUNDATION Annual Report
Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends, I am pleased share with you this annual report for the Southwest Minnesota State University Foundation. You, our alumni and friends, once again stepped up with an amazing level of support through your financial contributions and volunteer efforts. We can proudly say that we as SMSU alumni give back like no other as we once again had the highest percentage of alumni giving of any public institution in Minnesota! This past year over $4,180,598 was raised through contributions, revenue and support made possible by our generous donors. The Foundation was able to give back just over $3 million to the University with over $800,000 going directly to student scholarships. As a result, the total net assets of the Foundation grew from $11,035,097 to $12,646,210, increasing the Foundation’s capacity to fund scholarships, projects and activities that support SMSU. This past year the SMSU Foundation was part of a campaign across the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to raise awareness of the work that we do in support of our students and universities. The “Access to Excellence” campaign, a two year campaign to collectively raise $20 million in scholarship support across the entire MnSCU system through our respective foundations, raised $17.4 million in scholarship gifts during just the first year. SMSU successfully generated over $925,000 this past year as part of this statewide effort to support our students. We are also very excited to share the news that fundraising efforts are nearly complete for our new University Entrance sign and sculpture project. We have an ambitious goal to raise $250,000 to fund the design and construction of a prominent SMSU sign and bronze Mustang that will be installed around the new pond developed on the southeast end of campus. This beautiful new entrance project will help define our campus entrance and welcome visitors and alumni back to campus as well as to the community of Marshall. Many of you may have already received that phone call or mailing asking for your support again this year. If you haven’t made a contribution, I would encourage you to consider the SMSU Foundation in your year-end giving plans. Your gift today will ensure additional value and support for our students in the year ahead. Every gift to SMSU, no matter the size, is important and appreciated. While this report lists the many individuals and businesses that have so generously supported SMSU this past year with a gift of $100 or more, please be sure to stop by the Alumni Heritage Gallery the next time you are on campus to see a complete listing of everyone who made a contribution during that time. On behalf of the SMSU Foundation Board of Directors and the students, faculty and staff at SMSU, thank you for all that you do to make Southwest Minnesota State University a great University! Sincerely,
Bill Mulso Vice-President for Advancement Foundation Executive Director
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FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT
2013-14