Back to the Foundation Page

Kent State University Foundation

Highlights of Fiscal Year 1999

We would like to thank the many individuals, foundations, corporations, and organizations who provided support to the Kent State University Foundation in Fiscal Year 1999. Kent State is a very special institution supported by some very special people. While annual reports typically present figures and financial charts (as you will see in this section), we want you to meet some people who are making a difference. A variety of our partners, and their many different motivations for giving, are highlighted in this Honor Roll of Donors. They account for only a small fraction of the donors recognized in this report. /

It's no surprise to us that 1999 was a record year in terms of the number of friends and alumni who supported Kent State's mission of teaching, research, and public service. Total voluntary support for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, was nearly $9.5 million, while the market value of managed investments rose to $64.5 million by the close of FY99. Also, the overall number of people making gifts to Kent State has increased for six consecutive years. Since 1994, the university's base of philanthropic support has grown by 57 percent, from 18,500 donors to nearly 32,400.

As we anticipate the beginning of a new millennium, there are significant opportunities to re-examine our personal goals and needs - and those of the society in which we live. Under President Carol A. Cartwright's leadership, Kent State University has gained broad insights into its needs through such efforts as the Centennial Commission, an extensive study to gauge the internal culture of the campus community, and the newly adopted University Strategic Plan. These perspectives are invaluable as we prepare to meet the needs of students and employers in the 21st century.

One vital ingredient in our success will be the continued engagement and generosity of our alumni, friends, and volunteers. The progress of the foundation's fund-raising program on behalf of Kent State University in the past three years is extremely encouraging. We are particularly grateful for the significant support received from individual members of the foundation board and former Foundation Chair R. Douglas Cowan for his exceptional leadership during this dynamic time in Kent State's history.

Success can be measured in many ways, as the donors profiled in this report will attest. One thing we do know, however, is that private investment helps the university achieve its goals of ensuring academic quality, enhancing student success, and reaping the benefits of advanced learning technologies. Every gift to Kent State, large or small, nourishes the intellectual life of the university and helps to build strong academic programs led by exceptional scholars and practitioners. Such support provides a critical margin of excellence for future generations of Kent students.

In FY99, gifts that provide student scholarships and book awards totaled well over $1.8 million. Endowed funds to attract high school seniors of academic distinction grew to $4 million this year.

Scholarships were a popular designation for donors who established charitable gift annuities, bequests and other kinds of planned gifts in FY99. Contributions made through the Planned Giving Program resulted in 16 new endowments at a face value of more than $1.1 million. In addition, six existing planned gifts matured, resulting in cash contributions of nearly $700,000.

Listeners and corporate partners of public radio station WKSU-FM showed strong support this year, contributing close to $2 million. This generosity helped the station achieve its commitment to reduce the number of hours spent in on-air fund drives. We also want to acknowledge the thousands of listeners who renewed their memberships to the station, which resulted in a 75 percent increase in renewals over the previous year.

Annual gifts (generally all donations of up to $1,000) increased by 12 percent over FY98. This was a result of our broader base of support combined with an increase in average gift size and pledge fulfillment rates. Due to increased interest in the life of the university, funds generated through the phone program increased by 48 percent. Annual contributions often provide the flexibility for the university to meet its most urgent needs.

Kent State is committed to providing students with a high-quality education while continuing to keep tuition affordable for most families. In Ohio, where public funding for higher education ranks 41st in the nation, this can be especially challenging. The support of those alumni and friends who believe in our mission gives us confidence that Kent State University can reach even greater heights in service for the 21st century.

Brian D. Tucker
Foundation Chair
Publisher, Crain's Cleveland Business

Mark D. Lindemood
Foundation Executive Director
Vice President for University
Relations and Marketing