Drury doubles annual fundraising

Drury University more than doubled fundraising during the 2017-18 fiscal year.

The school’s total came to $20.9 million, a 122 percent increase over the $9.4 million raised a year earlier, according to a news release.

The 2017-18 figure marked the second consecutive year of increases.

“We want to see that momentum continue,” said Wayne Chipman, Drury’s executive vice president for advancement, in the release. “We’re continually looking at new and meaningful ways to engage our extended university family and amplify the powerful effects of a Drury education.”

During the 2017-18 fiscal year, fundraising was boosted, in part, by the 531 Challenge crowdfunding campaign, which brought in more than 1,000 donations — the largest in the fundraising event’s five-year history. Fundraising for the campaign totaled $214,259, including a $50,000 challenge grant from alumni Ron and Cathy Neville.

Drury had a $1.5 million 2017-18 fundraising goal to benefit the Annual Drury Experience Fund, which provides money for student scholarships and financial aid, according to the release.

Donations came from 48 states and represent alumni from every class year for the past 70 years, as well as current students.