NEWS

CMU celebrates record-setting $26 million in fundraising

Donors support students and forge the university’s future

Central Michigan University alumni and friends paid it forward in a big way during the 2023-24 fiscal year, contributing $25.9 million in the single most successful fundraising year in school history. The new record exceeds the previous record in 2020 by nearly $2 million.

"The CMU community is showing its true maroon and gold pride,” CMU President Bob Davies said. “The selfless generosity of our many engaged alumni and friends paves the path for current and future students, as well as for the university as a whole.”

Highlights of FY2024 fundraising:

A record number of principal gifts of at least $1 million contributed more than $7 million total. This includes:
- The largest financial commitment ever to the School of Music from alumnus Mark Holen, endowing a professorship in percussion through a legacy gift in his estate.
- Lifetime gift commitments of more than $2 million generously donated by Phil Kintzele, accounting professor emeritus, resulting in the naming of the Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting.
- A $2 million gift from alumni Tim and Sherry Magnusson supporting CMU Athletics and the CMU College of Business Administration.
CMU’s strongest Giving Tuesday ever on Nov. 28, 2023, raised more than $520,000 in one day from more than 1,200 alumni and friends, driving support of critical initiatives such as the Student Emergency Fund, Food Pantry, and the Finish Up Chips and Ignite for First Generation Students scholarships.
Planned gifts designated for future CMU support — often through wills and trusts — surpassed $10 million this year, also a record.

"This record generosity from our alumni and friends gives us tremendous momentum as we prepare for CMU’s next comprehensive campaign,” said Jennifer Cotter, vice president for Advancement. “Current and future students will benefit from the incredible commitment and engagement of alumni, faculty, staff, friends and university leaders.

“Every donor makes a difference. This year is a perfect reflection of the remarkable sense of community at CMU,” she said.

Advancement Board Chair Sarah Opperman credits the record generosity to several factors.

"Donors are inspired by CMU’s outstanding students and programs, and CMU’s leaders, faculty and staff are actively engaged in the process, which is translating into financially significant and strategically important contributions across the university,” Opperman said. “This powerful combination and commitment are setting the pace we need to drive CMU’s future.”

CMU’s Alumni Relations team engaged more than 70,000 alumni throughout the year, with nearly 9,000 alumni attending 141 events.

For information about how to support Central Michigan University, visit the Advancement website.

View latest news