Annual Report 2007-08
8 Great Things
This 2008 annual report highlights eight great things at the University
of Kansas that were made possible by private giving. We didn’t have to look hard to find examples of the crucial importance of donors like you to this university. Your generosity has infused every corner of KU with optimism.
This past year, private gifts funded virtually all scholarships at KU. They fueled research toward life-saving cures. They helped recruit and reward brilliant faculty scholars who inspire students. They enabled construction of new facilities to strengthen programs. In short, they brought distinction to KU.
It was a great year for KU in a multitude of arenas. Fundraising by
KU Endowment was one of them. Donors gave a record $94 million, the
largest amount in KU Endowment’s 117-year history. The number of donors increased by 3.7 percent, and the total amount raised increased by 21 percent. We are humbled by your generosity. And we are reminded that our work is never done. With your help, we can continue helping KU’s faculty and students to reach their aspirations.
We are proud to report that KU Endowment provided a record amount of support to the university — $112 million — including a 15 percent increase in student support. In large part, this demonstrates that our spending policies serve us well. We continue to maximize spending today while remaining vigilant to protect the value of our endowment for future generations.
Following a nationwide trend, our investment returns decreased this year, ending a four-year run of strong returns. Thanks to our diversified portfolio, the 2.6 percent decline was modest in light of the recent broad economic downturn. It’s important to note that we invest for the long term, and that these market corrections are part of the cyclical nature of the investment process.
Every gift, large and small, expresses your belief in KU and your desire to contribute to its vitality. Great things are happening at KU — because people like you are getting behind them.
With profound appreciation,
KURT WATSON
Chairman of the Board
DALE SEUFERLING
President