The University of Central Arkansas raised a record total of $10,252,463 for 2017-18, which is a 66 percent increase over last year’s total.

The total also surpassed two previous fundraising goals the university’s Division of Advancement set. The initial goal of $6.5 million was reached by mid-year, so the university established a stretch goal of $10 million, which was also surpassed.

“Speaking on behalf of the university and especially, our students, we are extremely grateful to all of our donors and community partners,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “They are helping to provide opportunities such as scholarships, study abroad support, internships and research experiences, as well as ensuring that our students have state-of-the-art equipment and support while they pursue their degree.”

The banner year in fundraising included several other milestones for the university, including private scholarships awarded, net asset total and Day of Giving totals.

“Our staff is doing an outstanding job of identifying ways for our constituencies to connect with the university in meaningful ways,” said Kale Gober, vice president for University Advancement. “Their efforts have resulted in the most successful fundraising year in the history of this university. While we are proud of all of these milestones, we are most excited about the new and expanded opportunities we can offer our students.”

A major contributing factor to the fundraising totals was the Fourth Annual Day of Giving, which had a 947 percent increase in funds raised. The initial goal for the one-day giving campaign held in March was $50,000. By giving donors more fund options to which they could donate, the Day of Giving handily raised $434,526.

Other major factors in the year-end totals were four gifts of at least $1 million each and a significant increase in alumni and donor contacts. One such gift was made by Rick and Anne Massey to support the retention of first-generation college students through need-based scholarships. The gift was made in honor of Arch Ford, a 1930 Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) graduate who served as the commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Education from 1953-78.

“UCA prides itself on serving first-generation college students. The support and generosity of our donors often mean the difference of whether a student has the financial means to successfully earn a degree and potentially transform their life,” Davis said. “Private giving helps to fulfill the mission of the university and contributes to the success of our students, ensuring economic and cultural growth in our state and nation.”

This fiscal year also marked the first time the university’s foundation awarded more than $1 million in private scholarships in a single academic year. The foundation awarded a total of $1,224,322, bringing the UCA Foundation’s total scholarships to more than $11 million since its inception in 1981.

The UCA Foundation’s net assets are $50,461,693, making this the first time net assets have exceeded $50 million. The endowment is $27,877,726.