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With the help of nearly 50,000 alumni, parents, students and friends, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis raised more than $81.5 million in philanthropic support during the 2005-06 fiscal year.

The amount raised marks the second-highest yearly total for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis and represents an increase of more than $2 million or 3 percent above the previous year's total. It also marks the fourth consecutive year that philanthropic support has increased and includes 16 donors who provided gifts or pledges of $1 million or more a 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis record.

Gifts and philanthropic grants received reflect a variety of interests from scholarships to cancer research. They raised the university's presence in specific areas, such as teacher education, international economics and American history, while unrestricted gifts gave 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis the flexibility to address campus priorities and respond to emerging opportunities.

Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef was enthusiastic about the possibilities created by the charitable gifts and grants and by the level of philanthropic support directed at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis, which receives about 21 percent of its total budget from the state.

"This generosity underscores the trust donors have in our faculty to conduct transformational teaching and research and the faith they have in the quality and promise of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis students," Vanderhoef said. "Every dollar given to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis makes an impact that reverberates far beyond the university."

Each of the university's colleges and schools received significant financial support, with the Health System raising the highest amount at more than $23 million, followed by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at $15.7 million, and the School of Veterinary Medicine at $14.7 million.

Donors included alumni, appreciative patients, interested friends, organizations committed to specific causes and even current students making a graduation gift. Gifts ranged from $20.06, the amount that some graduating seniors donated in honor of their class year, to a $4.4 million bequest from Theodora Peigh to the School of Veterinary Medicine.

The late Peigh's bequest completes her total gift to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis of $12.6 million. Peigh, through her estate, is one of the 16 donors who provided gifts, philanthropic grants and pledges of $1 million or more. All were received in the 2005-06 fiscal year that ended June 30, and included:

• A priceless collection from the Michael Harrison Estate to complete the transfer of the Michael and Margaret B. Harrison Western Research Center Collection to the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis General Library. The Western Americana collection includes more than 21,000 volumes, Native American baskets and pottery, Western artwork and other rare items.
• $2.6 million from the American Cancer Society Inc. to the School of Medicine and College of Biological Sciences.
• $1.65 million from the William and Inez Mabie Family Foundation toward the School of Law building expansion initiative.

Half of the philanthropic total was directed toward research. Student support including scholarships and fellowships and department/faculty support each received 12 percent. Campus improvement and other program support received the remaining 26 percent.

Philanthropic support established new endowed chairs, including the Dolly and David Fiddyment Chair in Teacher Education, the W.K. Kellogg Endowed Chair in Sustainable Food Systems and the C. Bryan Cameron Distinguished Chair in International Economics.

"I believe in contributing to those institutions that have made an impact in my life," said donor and 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis alumnus Bryan Cameron. "And I believe in the excellence in teaching and research in the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ system and in 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis." Cameron received his bachelor's degree in economics at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis in 1980 and is the co-director of research for Dodge & Co Inc., a large investment management firm with headquarters in San Francisco.

Of the $81.5 million, a total of $21.7 million was committed to permanently invested funds or endowments to provide ongoing support for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, research and other university programs. Donors directed $14 million of these funds to support the university through the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis Foundation. The foundation, established in 1959, receives private gifts to benefit 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis, invests its endowed gift funds and other private assets, and advises university leaders in areas related to public trust and support. The foundation board of trustees is currently led by 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis alumna Meg Stallard, class of 1968.

Meanwhile, the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis Annual Fund had its best year on record, increasing 5 percent from the year prior, to a total of nearly $1.85 million. More than 19,000 individuals contributed to the fund, which provides flexible support to areas where the need is greatest.

The level of philanthropic support for 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis remains strong. For seven consecutive years, totals have topped more than $70 million annually. The fundraising momentum reflects 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Davis' continuing commitment to building philanthropic support for its students, faculty and programs and demonstrates the university's strong position as it continues planning for a comprehensive fundraising campaign.