Purdue University just wrapped up its biggest fundraising year ever

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Purdue University says its recently ended fiscal year was its biggest ever for fundraising and sponsored research funding.

The school says more than 86,000 donors gave $451.5 million during the 2017-18 year that ended June 30. Purdue says it’s the first time alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, students, parents and other supporters such as corporations and foundations donated more than $400 million in a year.

Purdue announced this week that the donations include $88.2 million for student support and boost its ongoing “Ever True: The Campaign for Purdue University” to nearly $2 billion. It’s the fifth consecutive year the number of donors has increased.

Purdue says it also generated a university record $454.5 million in sponsored research funding, topping the previous year’s record of $418 million.