Contact: John Nash
843.792.0687
Aug. 24, 2001
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Medical University of South Carolina received a record $25.2 million in philanthropic gifts and pledges during fiscal 2000-2001, an increase of 23 percent over the previous year, according to the university's year-end fund-raising report.
University President Ray Greenberg said the year's fund-raising success was especially significant in that it occurred during a down year on Wall Street. He attributed part of the year's success to recent media coverage, which he said had increased awareness about the groundbreaking work taking place at the Medical University. He cited as an example Child magazine's ranking of the MUSC Children's Hospital among the top 10 children's hospitals nationally.
"The more people know about what we're doing here, the more they support us philanthropically," said Greenberg. "Many people are making gifts to the Medical University because they see it as a direct way to have a meaningful impact on the health of this state and community."
The largest share of the year's contributions - $12.8 million - came from individuals, a broad mix of alumni, faculty members, grateful patients and other supporters. Meanwhile, businesses made gifts totaling $5.0 million, nearly 25 percent more than the previous year. Foundations contributed $6.2 million, a 47 percent increase over the previous year, and non-profit organizations gave $1.1 million.
Greenberg also said that the year's fund-raising figures were boosted by two high-profile capital campaigns currently underway at the Medical University - one to fund a new College of Dental Medicine and another to build the Children's Research Institute.
In addition to these two projects, last year's gifts will help the university create scholarships, expand and upgrade existing facilities, attract top faculty and clinicians, and fund medical research efforts.
"Of course, the fact that so many people chose to support us last year represents a wonderful statement of confidence in the Medical University," said Greenberg. "More important, though, is what this support means for the people whose lives are being touched by this institution."
The Medical University's fund-raising report came on the heels of an earlier announcement that MUSC had successfully reversed three consecutive years of revenue loss. By reducing operating expenses, the Medical University was able to finish fiscal 2001 nearly $7.3 million in the black.
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