Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) raised $12,038,265 from 9,369 donors for the 2025 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, surpassing the goal of $12 million. Additionally, 2,585 donor-funded scholarships were awarded to students, totaling $2,547,082.
“We’re excited to announce another historic fundraising year for EKU, with the most raised in a single year on record,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Donor support is essential to our opportunity-focused mission—supporting academic excellence, awarding scholarships and ensuring students have what they need to succeed. Together, we are building a brighter future for our communities, the Commonwealth and beyond through the opportunity of a transformative education at EKU.”
Many initiatives contributed to achieving this milestone, including EKU’s sixth annual Giving Day on April 23, 2025. In the best Giving Day yet, EKU exceeded its goal of 2,425 donors, with 2,441 donors giving a total of $1,015,000. More than two-thirds of the funds raised went to scholarships and the remaining toward supporting programs across campus. The 2025 Giving Day marks the first year to reach over $1 million and the highest amount raised during a single giving day at EKU.
In addition to university-wide fundraising, EKU Athletics experienced a significant increase, surpassing dollars raised from the previous fiscal year by more than three times.
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our Eastern Kentucky University donor community, this year and every year,” said Mary Beth Neiser, vice president of University Development and Alumni Engagement. “EKU raised a record-breaking $12 million this year, thanks to alumni and friends who advance our mission as a School of Opportunity through their generous gifts. We deeply appreciate everyone who contributed and look forward to seeing the powerful impact of this success all around campus. From scholarships to study abroad experiences and beyond, every gift to EKU helps create and sustain transformative opportunities for Eastern’s students.”
With more than 80% of EKU students receiving financial aid, many rely on scholarships to achieve their educational goals. EKU continually strives to remove financial barriers to education through initiatives like EKU BookSmart providing free textbooks, and EKU Foundation scholarships offering support for academics, tuition and even enhanced learning experiences, such as study abroad.
Scholarship recipient Callie Benge said, “This scholarship will significantly ease my financial burden and allow me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities.” Pursuing a degree in paralegal science with a minor in Spanish, she continued, “This support brings me one step closer to making a meaningful impact in this area. Thank you for believing in my potential and investing in my future.”
Another scholarship recipient, Cameron Lee, said, “Having the opportunity to collaborate and create music with my peers and professors is easily the greatest gift that college has brought me. I hope to continue performing and eventually share my knowledge of music with other people. Thank you for providing this scholarship! I am thankful that I am able to use this to further my education.”
Additionally, the Student Assistance Fund for Eastern (SAFE) helps students with short-term financial needs when they are unable to meet essential expenses due to an emergency. Recently, SAFE assisted students affected by the May tornado in Pulaski and Laurel Counties enabling them to continue to work toward their education aspirations at EKU. The SAFE program is generously funded by gifts from EKU alumni, parents and friends, ensuring any student can receive essential support during unforeseen emergencies.
Donor-supported initiatives are crucial to delivering on the promise of education and encouraging students toward the completion of their degree. With innovative academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, financial assistance and comprehensive support services, EKU students thrive academically and personally. One year after graduation, more EKU graduates are employed in Kentucky than any other public university, serving communities and others through impactful careers.
By Christina Rannells
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