Over the past 10 years, endowment values have grown 30 percent, starting at $152.69 million in 1993-1994 and totaling $517.93 million in 2002-2003. Accumulated contributions represent $366.69 million of the $517.93 million total. As state resources diminish, these assets are particularly important for protecting the financial health of the institution. This is evident in the over $22 million of endowment earnings that were distributed to support student scholarships, academic achievement and institutional priorities in 2002-2003.

This year, donors contributed another $30 million to endowment principles. Student aid continues to garner the most support, with 42 percent of all endowment gifts designated toward this purpose, closely followed by support for academic divisions at 40 percent.