Drury University received more than $14.5 million in philanthropic support during Fiscal Year 2026, including gifts, endowment commitments and planned gifts aimed at supporting students and university priorities.
The total included more than $11.5 million in gifts received during the fiscal year, according to a community announcement. The university said in the announcement that the contributions from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends and community supporters will help fund scholarships, academic programs, student success initiatives and other institutional priorities.
The fundraising total followed Fiscal Year 2025, when donors contributed $11.8 million to the university. University officials said in the announcement that the latest figures
reflect continued support from alumni and friends as the school moves into the final year of its Fortify the Future campaign.
In the announcement, President Jeff Frederick thanked donors for their support and highlighted the role of the O'Reilly-Wooten Challenge in the year's fundraising efforts.
"We are deeply grateful to every donor who chose to invest in Drury this year," Frederick said in the announcement. "Their generosity is changing lives by creating opportunities for students today while strengthening the future of our university."
O'Reilly-Wooten Challenge helped drive giving
University officials said in the announcement that the O'Reilly-Wooten Challenge expanded to $1.8 million in matching funds through contributions from the O'Reilly and Wooten families.
The challenge helped generate $3.2 million for the Student Success Fund, which the university said in the announcement was the second-highest annual total in the institution's history. According to the announcement, the matching program also encouraged donors to make endowed and planned gifts during the fiscal year.
Board of Trustees Chair Walt George credited donors and university leaders for the fundraising results.
"These results reflect the confidence our alumni, parents and friends have in Drury University's future," George said in the announcement.
George also thanked donors, the O'Reilly and Wooten families, Frederick, Executive Vice President for Advancement Melanie Earl-Replogle and the university's advancement staff for their fundraising and stewardship efforts.
Campaign enters final year
University officials said in the announcement that gifts of all sizes help provide access to what the school describes as a personalized educational experience.
As the university enters the final year of its Fortify the Future campaign, Drury said in the announcement that it plans to continue expanding opportunities for students while strengthening the institution for future generations.
Additional information is available from drury.edu.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Drury University donors deliver $14.5 million to support students
