SLU Raises $84.6 Million in FY25 for Fourth-Largest Fundraising Year in History
Saint Louis University continues to benefit from the generosity of alumni, donors and friends who believe in its mission and are committed to transforming students' lives. The close of the 2025 fiscal year marked the end of one of the most successful fundraising periods in SLU's history.
Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the University secured $84,633,535 in gifts and pledges. That makes fiscal year 2025 the fourth-largest fundraising year on record. This milestone follows previous landmark years: $141.1 million raised in FY2022, $119 million in FY2019 and $98.7 million in FY2018. More than 14,960 gifts were made to 779 funds.
“This is an incredible achievement for SLU,” said Vice President for Development Sheila Manion. “Delivering SLU’s world-class education requires substantial resources, and our donors’ steadfast generosity makes it possible. Their commitment ensures that our legacy as one of the most respected Catholic, Jesuit institutions continues to thrive and evolve for future generations.”
Transformational gifts contributing to the year's total included:
- $10 million to the School of Medicine in honor of Gerald A. Maguire, M.D., (Med ’91). The gift establishes the Gerald A. Maguire, M.D., and Joanne S. Maguire School of Medicine Cura Personalis Endowed Deanship, funds the Gerald A. Maguire, M.D., and Joanne S. Maguire Endowed Chair in Neuropsychiatry Research and Education, and will benefit enhanced educational and training experiences.
- $7.3 million to the School of Education from Virginia (Ginny) Herrmann, M.D., (Med ’74). This historic gift established the Herrmann Center for Innovative Catholic Education and supports underserved students.
- A major pledge to the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business from David Jacquin, J.D., (CSB ’89) to support scholarships in accounting and finance named in honor of Stephen W. Vasquez.
As in previous years, the primary areas supported by donors were SLU's annual fund and scholarships, followed by funds supporting other areas of academic excellence and Billiken athletics. A particular area of philanthropic strength for SLU continues to be planned giving and the generous support of those who remember the University in their estate plans. More than $36.5 million of development funds raised in fiscal year 2025 came from bequests or bequest intentions.
“SLU received a record amount of estate gifts during fiscal year 2025,” said Kent LeVan, senior advisor of strategic philanthropy. “We are extremely grateful to the long-time donors who created a legacy after their lifetimes. Several alumni and friends also shared information about their future estate provisions, which will sustain SLU in the coming years.”
Also contributing to SLU's fundraising success in FY25:
- 726 people became first-time donors.
- 6,756 donors were members of True to SLU, the University's loyalty society, honoring those who give in two or more consecutive years.
- More than 550 Saint Louis University faculty and staff employees contributed as donors.
- Gifts from alumni donors totaled more than $12.4 million, and non-alumni individuals contributed $15.3 million.
- Parents of current Billikens gave nearly $600,000. SLU's leadership giving societies, which comprise more than 2,320 loyal donors, contributed more than $29.3 million.
“In an era of uncertainty for higher education, these strong endorsements reflect our strategic planning and careful expense management,” Manion said. “They also highlight our donors' vital role in sustaining SLU’s excellence. We are deeply grateful for their partnership.”
For more information on active giving initiatives or campaigns at SLU and ways to give, visit slu.edu/give.