By Charles Jaggers
Director of University Communications

MUNCIE, Ind.-- Private contributions to Ball State University during the 1996-97 fiscal year totaled $11.5 million, setting a new record for gifts to the university.

"This is a great achievement for Ball State," said President John E. Worthen. "We are grateful for the many individuals whose generosity made for such a successful year--a year that provides an excellent foundation for strengthening the university in the decades ahead.

"We believe this new level of giving represents a vote of confidence and trust in Ball State," Worthen added. "We intend to be good stewards of this exceptional generosity from our alumni and friends."

Nearly 25,000 donors, including alumni, corporations, foundations and friends of the university contributed to the new giving record.

"We're pleased that so many individuals and private organizations are willing to support Ball State with their gifts," said Don Park, vice president for university advancement.

Hudson Akin, executive director of university development, emphasized that staff support was critical to meeting the goal.

"The response of our alumni and friends reflects the interest they have in providing students with opportunities that will enhance their educational experiences," Akin said.

Students were also an integral part of the record year. More than $1 million was raised through the university's telemarketing effort, conducted entirely by students.

"We're fortunate to have both an outstanding professional staff as well as an excellent student staff," Park said. The previous record for giving was $10.9 million set in 1992 at the height of the university's successful Wings for the Future campaign.