Towson University surpasses 2019–20 fundraising goal
More than $100 thousand raised specifically for student emergency relief
By Cody Boteler on August 16, 2020
Towson University surpassed its fiscal year 2020 fundraising goal of $12 million by more than $400,000, raising $12,432,717 to support TU and its community.
This is the first time in university history that more than $10 million has been raised in three consecutive years. Gifts to TU enhance the student experience, provide scholarships, address immediate emergent needs of students, faculty and staff and ensure campus operations.
“It is truly heartening to see such a significant outpouring of support from our Towson University community, particularly as the fiscal year closed amid the financial crisis caused by the global pandemic,” says Towson University President Kim Schatzel. “From supporting our emergency funds for students, faculty and staff to providing enhanced capacity for world-changing impact within our academic programming, TU’s philanthropic community continues to provide important and direct support for our community.”
Among the thousands of donations, nearly 1000 came from faculty and staff. Of those donors, 281 are also alumni. This continues the trend of Tigers looking after Tigers and marks the second consecutive year that more than 900 faculty and staff donors made generous contributions.
“This year has been extraordinary in many ways, not the least of which is how our TU community came together to support our students and the work of this incredible university during very challenging times,” says Brian DeFilippis, vice president for university advancement.
A significant number of donors gave directly to the Student Emergency & Food Insecurity Fund, which directly supports students struggling to meet their financial obligations for housing, necessary medications, education-related expenses for online classes, travel for students needing to return home, unmet financial obligations due to loss of employment, and to students experiencing food insecurity.
A total of 1,533 donors contributed $179,067.72 to the fund, most between April 1 and June 30. The Towson University Foundation also reallocated $100,000 to aid students experiencing hardships during the spring 2020 term.
"No one could have foreseen the unique financial challenges some of our students would face,” says J. William Murray, president of the Towson University (TU) Foundation. “I’m proud that the TU Foundation rose to the occasion and provided support to our students and we are prepared to continue supporting them in the fall term and beyond."
The Office of Student Affairs has awarded 971 emergency grants from the fund, totaling $282,384. Grants are also available for students who need aid in the fall term.
Donations to the TU Fund and the Student Emergency & Food Insecurity Fund can be made online. Students experiencing food insecurity or other emergencies can apply online to receive funds.
This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland and Culture of Philanthropy.