UH, UH System Surpass Annual Fundraising Goals for Third Consecutive Year

For the third consecutive year, the University of Houston System and the University of Houston have not only surpassed their annual fundraising goals, but have established new records in total year-end commitments for private support from businesses, corporations, alumni and friends.

Eloise D. Stuhr, vice chancellor/vice president for University Advancement, expressed gratitude for the unprecedented level of support that resulted in the UH System receiving $132.8 million in total commitments and the University of Houston receiving $126.8 million in total commitments.

“More important than even the dollars is the impact this generous support has on students, and the impact it has on making Houston an even greater city, as it benefits from UH becoming an even greater research university,” said Stuhr, who was hired as the chief external affairs officer three years ago.

Among the significant fundraising achievements made possible by the record-setting support, Stuhr cited:

  • Exceeded the $10 million fundraising goal for the Multidisciplinary Research and Engineering Building
  • Surpassed the annual fundraising goal for the new TDECU Stadium, bringing the total dollars raised to date to more than $64 million
  • Secured a naming rights gift for the football stadium, a $15 million commitment over 10 years that is the most for a Football Bowl Subdivision school. It's also the third highest among NCAA facilities, behind only Illinois' State Farm Center and Fresno State's Save Mart Center.
  • Reached the campaign goal of raising $7 million for Tier One Scholarships—all of which were matched with a $7 million anonymous gift. The scholarship program was established in 2009 to attract high-achieving students seeking a Tier One education to UH.

The fundraising success comes at a crucial time for the UH System and its four universities, as they seek to further improve educational experiences and enhance student success by allocating money toward current and future scholarships, programs and faculty development opportunities.

Among the UH System components, UH-Victoria raised more than $2.2 million, UH-Downtown raised $1.3 million and UH-Clear Lake received gifts totaling more than $871,000.

“This new standard for philanthropy at the University of Houston is the result of the continued loyalty and generosity of so many who care deeply about UH,” said Renu Khator, UH System chancellor and UH president. “As we continue to achieve new milestones, including establishing an enrollment record this fall, we will remain focused on achieving overall excellence, with student success remaining our highest priority.”