Continuing Confidence in Ohio State

As we approach the end of another year, we are grateful for your tremendous loyalty to Ohio State. In spite of the economic challenges facing our country and other nations around the globe, your level of support and belief in the university continues to grow.

During fiscal year 2011, a record 177,322 donors gave an unprecedented $259 million in gifts and grants in support of Ohio State’s people and programs. For the period ending June 30, 2011, total fundraising activity—including new gifts and commitments—topped $407.6 million. So many alumni and friends help us attract and retain preeminent faculty and the best and brightest of students, while also making possible remarkable advances in research and patient care.

This year, Ohio State received the largest gift in its history from alumnus and Board of Trustees Chair Les Wexner, his wife, Abigail, and the Limited Brands Foundation. The $100 million gift will support The Ohio State University Medical Center, the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, the Wexner Center for the Arts, and other university initiatives.

Ohio State’s financial aid program, the largest in the country, represents nearly one-fifth of the university’s budget. But for Ohio State and the generosity of so many of you, a college education would be just a dream for many students. Fundraising increases from donors to the university-wide Students First, Students Now initiative make this dream a reality.

Many of you have personal reasons for increasing support or for becoming first-time donors this past year. During 2011, donors have given students the opportunity to learn about the world or honored a loved one by establishing or supporting an existing scholarship or program fund. Others joined the Parents Advancement Council to engage actively in their students’ college experience.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Ohio State Impact, which highlights how our fundraising success makes a difference at the university and beyond. Please know how deeply we appreciate your belief in Ohio State, our students, and our future.

On behalf of all of us privileged to work at The Ohio State University Foundation, I wish you a wonderful holiday season and GO BUCKS!

Jeff Kaplan President, The Ohio State University Foundation Senior Vice President and Special Assistant to the President The Ohio State University

© 2011 The Ohio State University Foundation   1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221   (614) 292-2970   gifts@osu.edu

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