The Foundation for WWU & Alumni 2024
THE FOUNDATION FOR WWU & ALUMNI
Table of Contents
A Report from University Advancement
As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for our collective achievements, and I hope you will join me in celebrating the dedication and support of so many. Your generosity has created a lasting impact on our university, empowering it to thrive and continue its legacy of academic distinction and societal contribution.
Our fundraising efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and for the entire campus community. This year alone, the Foundation raised more than $18 million, with $7 million of the funds dedicated to scholarships, including $1.7 million directed toward Western Welcome scholarships, which will help drive recruitment.
WWU Give Day was a huge success, raising a record-breaking $1.2 million from 3,200 donors, including more than 1,000 first-time donors. These donations have a direct impact on the lives of our students, providing resources and opportunities to pursue academic and personal goals.
We are also very excited about the new and creative partnerships we have built over the past year. Bellingham-based real estate agency The Muljat Group and The Foundation have developed a program that allows homebuyers in the area to direct a portion of their transaction fees to be donated to the university.
The donations from Muljat will go to a fund that will prioritize scholarships for student-athletes, programs to support students who are single parents, and help for students who are struggling with food and housing insecurity.
In May, we celebrated a reimagined Alumni Awards and recognized five outstanding alums for their achievements. The following day, we hosted the first-ever WWU Block Party, drawing over 800 attendees, including students, families, alumni, and community members who enjoyed music, games, food trucks, and other activities, all contributing to a vibrant celebration of the WWU community.
Three of our major capital projects supported through philanthropy are either in progress or near completion: The House of Healing ground blessing ceremony was held in the spring; Kaiser Borsari Hall will be open for winter quarter 2025; and we opened the Salish Sea Studio in June. We’re so excited to see these projects come to fruition.
Looking ahead to this academic year, we remain focused on enhancing the alumni experience, fostering a supportive community, and ensuring the long-term success of Western through ongoing fundraising and strategic partnerships. This summer, we partnered with Admissions in nine regional Summer Send-Offs, connecting with incoming students and their families to welcome them to the university community.
Also, in coordination with the Career Services Center, we have launched the innovative “Ask A Viking” tool, which will allow students to reach out to the broader WWU community with questions about everything from how to be successful in college to how to find that first job. And in October, we hosted the annual Fall Family Weekend, including the Intergenerational Viking brunch celebrating alumni who are now family members of current students.
With gratitude and warm regards,
Kim O'Neill
President and CEO
The Foundation for WWU & Alumni
Financial Summary
Total Value of Gifts and Services Provided to the University
Over the past 10 years, the amount of support provided by The Foundation to the university has grown from just over $6.0 million annually, to nearly $13 million today.
Total Endowment Assets Under Management
Total Endowment Assets Under Management includes assets owned directly by The Foundation, as well as endowed assets managed by The Foundation on behalf of the university.
Total Contributions to The Foundation by Fiscal Year
Endowment Fund Returns
