Concordia University Announces Best Fundraising Year in Its History

Seward, Neb. (08/08/2018) — President Brian Friedrich announced this week that Concordia University had record-breaking fundraising numbers for the second year in a row.

New gifts and commitments for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 exceeded $29 million, surpassing the university's all time fundraising record of $16 million set the prior fiscal year. Gifts were received from more than 5,000 alumni and friends of the university.

"We thank God for His provision through our generous supporters. The fundraising results of the past year are a wonderful affirmation of our work as a Christ-centered, Lutheran university and our vision to be a thriving university," said Friedrich. "Our generous donors are essential to fulfilling this vision."

Concordia's year was highlighted by 31 gifts of $100,000 or more, including three gifts of $1 million plus. The largest gift was a $10 million naming gift from The Rupert Dunklau Foundation for the Dunklau Center for Science, Math and Business currently under construction on the Seward campus. The university also received the largest deferred gift commitment in its history, a $4 million commitment that will provide endowed scholarships for students preparing for professional careers in The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod.

Donors provided gifts to support all areas of the university, including operations, scholarships, and endowment. Reflecting its national scope, gifts were received from donors in 48 states. The most successful fundraising year in Concordia's history occurred during a time of increasing recognition for Concordia as a leading Christian university. The university is expanding its graduate programs and experiencing its largest undergraduate enrollment in more than forty years.

"We are tremendously blessed by the success we are seeing. It is a joy to see our students thrive as they pursue their vocational callings here at Concordia," Friedrich said. "I am particularly excited for the support of our science and business programs. The Dunklau Center will help to continue the growth of these programs that are increasingly recognized for the quality of their graduates."

Media Attachments