Saint Louis University Has Best Fundraising Year in its History with Nearly $100
Million in Gifts
ST. LOUIS (Aug. 9, 2018) — Today, Saint Louis University announced that it raised
a record $98.7 million during the 2017-18 fiscal year, which ended June 30, making
it the most successful single year of fundraising in SLU’s 200-year history.
A $15 million gift from alumnus and trustee Dr. Richard A. Chaifetz and his wife Jill
in February was the highpoint of SLU’s historic fundraising year. At the time, the
University announced the naming of the Chaifetz School of Business (pictured above)
in honor of couple’s total contributions - $27 million.
The milestone total more than doubles what was raised during the previous fiscal year,
and it is $33 million more than the previous 12-month record of $65 million, which
was set during the 2005-06 fiscal year. A record 14,805 donors made gifts to the University
during FY18.
“Our bicentennial has focused our supporters on the many ways in which we are living
our mission,” said SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D. “Our vision inspired an unparalleled
outpouring of support. This unprecedented generosity from our alumni, our trustees
and countless other stakeholders demonstrates their confidence in our future.”
“I want to thank every donor for contributing to this historic fundraising year and
for supporting innovation, excellence in educating and forming our students, cutting-edge
scholarship and informed, patient-centered health care,” Pestello continued.
Highlighting the record-setting year was a $15 million leadership gift from alumnus
and trustee Richard A. Chaifetz and his wife Jill in support of the University’s Richard
A. Chaifetz School of Business, which increased the couple’s total giving to SLU to
$27 million. Theirs was one of 11 gifts that exceeded $1 million in FY18 – also a
record for the University.
“As a private research university that strives to serve the public good, the importance
of philanthropy has never been greater, and our dedicated donors have stepped up to
support us like never before,” said Sheila Manion, SLU’s vice president for development.
“I want to thank Dr. Pestello and our trustees for leading the way, and I congratulate
our wonderful fundraising staff for their remarkable successes this year.”
Most gifts during FY18 went to support academic programs, patient care, and student
scholarships and financial aid. In terms of scholarship support, SLU’s Go Further initiative – in which the University matches every scholarship gift dollar-for-dollar – has
raised more than $39.5 million in matching dollars since its launch five years ago.
“I am heartened that so many of our stakeholders continue to make contributions to
support scholarships,” Pestello said. “They share our belief that no student’s opportunity
should be limited by a lack of financial resources. Thanks to our many donors, we
are able to offer a transformational education to even more students of modest means.”
Record Fundraising: By the Numbers
14805
Total Donors in FY18
11
Gifts that Exceeded $1 Million in FY18