By News and Media Relations

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – SEPT. 5, 2024 – Building on its recent streak of record-breaking milestones, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) announced Thursday that it has surpassed a quarter of a billion dollars in fundraising over the past nine years. 

The following milestones highlight the university’s remarkable achievements following the end of the 2023-24 academic year (Aug. 31):

• Total Fundraising: UTRGV has raised $284 million since its inception in 2015.
• Best Year Yet: The university raised a record-breaking $72 million during the 2023-24 academic year.
• Strong Finish: On Day of Giving (Aug. 27), UTRGV set a new university record by raising more than $276,000 – the highest total in the event’s history.

These funds have been used in a variety of impactful ways, including enhancing academic programs, supporting research initiatives, and providing scholarships to students, all of which contribute to the university’s mission of fostering educational excellence and community development.

When UTRGV President Guy Bailey arrived in 2015, he set a goal to raise $250 million by the university’s 10th anniversary. Impressively, UTRGV has surpassed that goal ahead of schedule.

“Many doubted our ability to reach these types of fundraising totals, but with a strong mission and the unwavering support of our community partners, we have achieved remarkable results,” Bailey said. “I have always believed in the potential for this level of financial support here, and this incredible milestone highlights the critical role that philanthropy has played in our university’s growth and success.”

Bailey also credited the fundraising milestones to the outstanding work conducted by UTRGV’s Office of Institutional Advancement, led by Executive Vice President Dr. Kelly Nassour, whom Bailey described as one of the top advancement administrators in the country.

Nassour emphasized that ongoing support from donors and partners will play a pivotal role in driving future success and ensuring that UTRGV remains a leading institution of higher learning. 

“We are profoundly grateful to our donors and supporters who have made this extraordinary achievement possible,” Nassour said. “Reaching $284 million is a significant moment for UTRGV, and it reflects the generosity and faith that our community has placed in our institution. This success empowers us to continue striving for excellence and to provide exceptional opportunities for our students and faculty.”

MOMENTUM CONTINUES

The announcement of this significant fundraising achievement comes on the heels of a series of impressive accomplishments for UTRGV. The university recently celebrated record-breaking enrollment figures during the first week of classes, including:

• Unprecedented first-day enrollment of 34,343 students.
• A record freshman class of 6,962 students.
• And a first-year retention rate of 83%.

Additionally, UTRGV was ranked as the No. 1 University in Texas for the second consecutive year in the 2024 Washington Monthly College Rankings.

“The successes we’re celebrating today are just the beginning,” Bailey said. “UTRGV is setting the pace in higher education, and our trajectory shows no signs of slowing down. If there’s a university more dynamic and driven in the country, I’ve yet to see it.”

For additional information or to support UTRGV, please visit www.give.utrgv.edu.