UTRGV says they’re well-ahead of fundraising goals

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley announced that since its inception in 2015 it has raised $284 million in fundraising.

Surpassing a quarter of a billion dollars, UTRGV had raised $72 million during the 2023-24 school year which helped it reach that milestone over nine years.

The funds have been used in a variety of ways, according to a UTRGV news release.

From enhancing academic programs, supporting research initiatives and providing scholarships to students.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey took the helm in 2015 and set a goal to raise $250 million by the university’s 10th anniversary. The university ended up surpassing the goal ahead of schedule in its ninth year.

“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 in the release. “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.”

A recent donation was to UTRGV Athletics of $20 million by Robert and Janet Vackar. UTRGV renamed H-E-B Park in Edinburg to the Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium in recognition of their generosity to UTRGV.

Vice President and Director of UTRGV Athletics Chasse Conque said the $20 million gift is in the category of the top 40 donations made to a department of athletics across the country.

Bailey, celebrating his 10 years as president in July said Robert Vackar’s $15 million donation in 2016 was huge and transformational in multiple ways.

“Because he was the first person to show some confidence in what we were trying to do, his confidence helped move things forward a lot,” he said. “It made a huge difference for us.”

Students are seen at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley campus on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in Brownsville. (Miguel Roberts | The Brownsville Herald)

The College of Business & Entrepreneurship would be renamed to the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship in honor of the contribution.

The Vackar’s also donated a $1 million gift in 2023 to the UTRGV College of Liberal Arts to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in mass communication. The donation was an addition to the existing $2 million Janet Ogden Vackar Spirit of Philanthropy Endowed Scholarship, established in 2016.

Bailey also credited the fundraising milestones to the UTRGV’s Office of Institutional Advancement, led by Executive Vice President Dr. Kelly Nassour.

“We are profoundly grateful to our donors and supporters who have made this extraordinary achievement possible,” Nassour said in the news release. “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.”

Another large donation over the years was $40 million by philanthropists MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett in 2021.

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