Sept. 2, 2025
Contact: Christopher Ave, Christopher.Ave@missouri.edu
The University of Missouri has set a new philanthropic record, achieving the highest fundraising year in its 186-year history.
“Philanthropy continues to sustain Mizzou’s mission in academics, research, engagement and athletics,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “Thank you to those on campus, including Vice Chancellor for Advancement Chris Smith and Director of Athletics Laird Veatch and their teams, for helping secure the many contributions that led to this remarkable fundraising year.”
More than 28,000 donors contributed during the past year, with gifts coming from all 50 states and 16 countries. This marks the third time in four years that Mizzou has achieved a new mark for fundraising, demonstrating remarkable and sustained momentum.
“Such generosity underscores our donors’ trust in Mizzou and shared belief in our vision for the university’s future,” Smith said. “We are grateful for their confidence and remain committed to stewarding their gifts with care and purpose.”
Across the institution, private support expanded scholarships, bolstered academic and research programs, and deepened Mizzou’s community impact with a total giving of $269 million (compared to $152 million in 2017 when Choi became president of the University of Missouri System). Mizzou Athletics also set a new record, raising more than $140 million with a focus on the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project.
Major donations fueled opportunities to advance the university’s mission, including:
- Two major gifts to transform Memorial Stadium facilities as a premier venue for college football while honoring its tradition of excellence and service.
- Growing alumni support for documentary filmmakers, another major gift from American television producer Jonathan Murray, BJ ’77, is furthering the Jonathan B. Murray Center for Documentary Journalism’s leadership in nonfiction storytelling.
- Investing in student and faculty success in the College of Health Sciences, Barbara and Leonard Bush, BHS ’82, committed a major gift from their estate – the college’s largest ever – to broaden student scholarships, endow a professorship and support the dean’s strategic priorities.
- Upgrading Mizzou’s outdoor track and field and soccer stadium, Audrey J. Walton made the largest gift in Mizzou history for Olympic sports, renovating the venue’s competition surfaces and enabling Mizzou Athletics to host high-level competitions.
- Strengthening the arts at Mizzou, UM Board of Curators member Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield made another major gift to advance the Mizzou New Music Initiative and supercharge student and faculty efforts to redefine the sounds of tomorrow.
- Propelling cancer research and animal-human health, Cot Fox, BJ ’71, expanded his support to support research in the College of Veterinary Medicine that turns discoveries into diagnostic tools and treatments for animals.
- A total of 38 gifts of more than $1 million in FY 2025.
