Bowling Green, KY, August 4, 2025
News Summary
Western Kentucky University has achieved a historic milestone by raising over $44.5 million in private support during its recent fiscal year. This accomplishment not only surpasses previous records but also showcases the university’s commitment to securing funds from various sources. The success aligns with increased monetary support since President Timothy C. Caboni’s appointment, reflecting a dawning trend of robust alumni and donor engagement. Highlights include significant contributions from individual donors and organizations, further enhancing WKU’s capacity to foster educational and athletic initiatives.
Bowling Green, KY
Western Kentucky University (WKU) has achieved a historic milestone by raising over $44.5 million in private support during the fiscal year running from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. This fundraising total breaks the previous record set by the university, marking a significant achievement in its ongoing efforts to secure funding from various sources.
The success in fundraising coincides with WKU’s trend of increased monetary support since the appointment of President Timothy C. Caboni in 2017. Under his leadership, the university has claimed its six largest fundraising years on record. The recent total illustrates the dedication of the Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement team, the College Heights Foundation, and the generous contributions from donors.
Private support plays a crucial role at WKU, aiding numerous facets of university life, including academics, athletics, student scholarships, and faculty positions. Amanda L. Trabue, Vice President of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, highlighted the importance of understanding donors’ passions and aligning those with the university’s strategic needs to maximize the impact of contributions.
Fundraising Highlights
Key achievements from this fundraising drive include:
- Over $20 million from outright gifts and pledges from individual donors.
- More than $18 million in funding from corporations, foundations, and other organizations through various giving modalities.
Trabue emphasized that annual giving is vital for sustaining various programs at WKU, which rely heavily on donor support to thrive.
Impact on Athletics
In an effort to adapt to the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation (HAF) is set to undergo a new organizational structure. Kat Smith has been appointed as the senior associate athletic director of development and ticket sales/executive director of HAF. In her role, Smith plans to enhance alumni and donor engagement while contributing positively to student-athletes through fundraising initiatives. Smith’s legacy as a successful softball player at WKU and her family’s long-standing connection to the university further enrich her new position.
The HAF has also hired Griffin Lamb as the assistant director of development, effective June 2, 2025. Jim Clark will remain active in his role within HAF while concentrating on name, image, and likeness (NIL) efforts. Clark brings 26 years of experience in WKU athletics and a solid background in athletic development.
Upcoming Events
As part of its fundraising efforts, WKU will host a charity exhibition basketball game against UAB on October 27, 2024. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Boys & Girls Club located in Bowling Green, further showcasing the university’s commitment to community engagement and support.
Background Context
WKU, with its rich history and educational offerings, has been bolstering its fundraising activities through various channels to secure funds necessary for ongoing initiatives. The growth in private support reflects a positive trend in the university’s engagement with both alumni and external organizations, demonstrating a robust commitment to enhancing the educational environment.
Key Features of WKU’s Fundraising Success
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $44.5 million |
| Individual Contributions | Over $20 million |
| Corporate & Organizational Support | More than $18 million |
| Key Personnel | Kat Smith, Griffin Lamb, Jim Clark |
| Upcoming Event | Charity basketball game on October 27, 2024 |
FAQ
What is WKU’s fundraising total for the 2024-2025 fiscal year?
WKU raised over $44.5 million.
Who is the current president of WKU?
President Timothy C. Caboni has been in office since 2017.
What will the charity basketball game benefit?
The proceeds from the charity game will benefit the Boys & Girls Club in Bowling Green.
Who are the key personnel in WKU’s fundraising efforts?
Key personnel include Kat Smith, Griffin Lamb, and Jim Clark.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News: WKU Fundraising
- Bowling Green Daily News: WKU Athletics
- WKU Sports: Charity Exhibition Basketball
- WNKY: WKU Opportunity Funds
- WKU Herald: Fraternity Fundraiser
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
- Google Search: Western Kentucky University
- Google Scholar: Western Kentucky University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Western Kentucky University
- Google News: Western Kentucky University fundraising
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