Towson University has recorded the most successful fundraising year in its history, securing more than $23.4 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2026, a milestone that highlights the extraordinary generosity of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, corporations, foundations and community partners who believe in the university's mission and the potential of its students.

The total exceeds the university's FY26 fundraising goal by more than $5 million.

Every gift, regardless of size, contributed to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the university's ability to provide exceptional educational experiences. Philanthropic investments bolstered scholarships, student programming and support initiatives, academic programs, faculty excellence, innovative research, athletics, the arts and campus spaces that enrich learning and engagement.

"This record-breaking year is a testament to the incredible generosity and confidence our donors have in Towson University and the student experience we provide," says Brian DeFilippis, vice president for university advancement. "Every contribution reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities for our students and ensuring they have the resources, support and experiences needed to thrive. Our philanthropic partners made this historic achievement possible, and we're just getting started."

A highlight of the year was the largest gift made by an individual donor in TU’s history: an anonymous $6.65 million commitment benefiting the College of Business & Economics. The transformational gift will support generations of future business leaders.

"We are deeply grateful for this remarkable act of generosity and the confidence it demonstrates in our students," said Prabakar Kothandaraman, dean of the College of Business and Economics. "This generosity is a testament to the enduring relationships our college community has fostered and a shared belief in the infinite potential of our students. Gifts like this help remove barriers to opportunity, enrich the student experience and create pathways for academic and professional success. The benefits will extend far beyond today's students, creating lasting impact for future generations of Tigers."

The university's fundraising success also was driven by significant support from corporate and foundation partners, including gifts associated with campus naming opportunities and investments from organizations and individuals, many of which were recognized in FY26, including the Constance & Brooks Robinson Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Mark ’93 and Jody ’93 Eber and the Eber Family Foundation; C. Victor '75, '82 and Lynne '78 Brick; Debora A. '81 and Roger L. Plunkett, Ph.D., along with named gifts made in FY26 by Thomas B. Beyard '77 and Brian Norris '99.

“The Towson University Foundation is particularly proud of the momentum we see not just in the FY26 fundraising success, but in how TU is poised as an anchor institution for FY27 and beyond,” says Edna Primrose ’84, president of the Towson University Foundation Board of Directors.

The university community also demonstrated its collective commitment through Big Give 2026, TU’s annual day of giving. More than 2,600 donors contributed more than $600,000 in support of scholarships, programs and initiatives across campus.

Beyond the FY26 record-setting total, university leaders say the milestone reflects growing confidence in Towson University's vision and its role in preparing students for success in Maryland and beyond.

"This milestone in our university's history represents the remarkable things we can accomplish when a community comes together," says President Mark R. Ginsberg. "History was made this year, not simply because of the dollars raised, but because of the lives that will be changed through the generosity behind every gift. The support of our donors strengthens learning, discovery and opportunity across our campus and helps ensure that Towson University continues to transform lives for generations to come."

About Towson University

Towson University repeatedly ranks as the #1 public university in Maryland, serving as the state’s university of opportunities. With more than 160 years of experience pushing possibilities, TU is a nationally recognized comprehensive public research university, known as a leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, scholarship and the creative arts. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, TU’s momentum is always accelerating, with nearly 20,000 students and more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in business, science, education, fine arts, health professions, humanities, social sciences and applied professional fields. Located in Towson, Maryland, amid one of the country’s cultural and economic epicenters, TU is a powerful engine of opportunity and catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change for the public good. TU meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty, staff and over 200,000 alumni worldwide.