Kentucky Wesleyan College President Barton D. Darrell announced Wednesday that the institution realized over $6.2 million in charitable gift revenue during the 2014-15 fiscal year which concluded May 31. The dollar amount is Wesleyan’s highest in over a decade and came from 1,657 donors, a 24 percent increase over the number of donors to the college in the previous year.
“As evidenced by the significant increase in external investment and the number of investors in our mission and methods, people are increasingly recognizing the importance and value of a Kentucky Wesleyan degree. We welcome and appreciate the support and look for the increases to continue,” said President Darrell, who took office September 16 of last year.
In April, the college announced a gift of $4 million from the estate of E. Luellen Pyles, a member of the school’s Board of Trustees who passed away in December. The contribution, designated to provide additional teacher scholarships and support alumni relations, was one of the largest in school history.
“We are extremely grateful for Ms. Pyles’ generosity, which will benefit the college for many years to come,” said Tom Keith, Wesleyan’s Vice President for Advancement. “Taking that one out, however, we still saw a 24% jump in total number of donors, the first increase in four years. To take such a significant step in a short period of time is a testament to the leadership of President Darrell and the upward trajectory of this institution.”
Wesleyan’s Office of Advancement also unveiled a new giving society for the 2015-16 year by introducing the President’s Circle, designed to recognize those who contribute $1,000 or more to the institution in a given year.
“The President’s Circle recognizes our most generous investors, while allowing direct access to President Darrell and invitations to exclusive membership events throughout the year,” said Keith. “In addition, every member will have a dedicated advancement staff member assigned to them as a resource whenever they need something from Kentucky Wesleyan. We want to make sure our supporters know how much they are appreciated.”
