Graduates of the University of St Andrews have raised over £88 million since the launch of the institution’s 600th anniversary campaign in 2011.
Former principal Professor Louise Richardson began the mission to raise £100m for a range of projects to consolidate the seat of learning’s status as a world class centre for teaching and research as it approached its sexcentenary.
The figure raised for Scotland’s oldest university was highlighted as it emerged philanthropic giving to UK universities had passed the £1 billion mark for the first time.
Six per cent of St Andrews alumni made a donation last year, the third highest rate for a UK university.
Among the projects funded are the new School of Medical and Biological Sciences, a research breakthrough which could help the fight against antibiotic resistance and plans for a new £10m marine laboratory.
Donations are also helping to fund a new music centre and expansion of the sports centre.
Director of development Robert Fleming said: “Our alumni understand better than anyone the power of education to change lives.
“The University of St Andrews aims to produce global citizens, and we’re proud to see so many choosing to give back by investing in higher education and its transformative potential.
“Every donation we receive represents not the end of a transaction, but a meaningful moment in a relationship.
“Our alumni team has had to grow to support the quality of relationships we now enjoy, and we’re committed to working with our graduates to ensure we’re not only famous for the best student experience, but also for the best donor experience.”
The UK-wide figure was published by the Ross-CASE Survey, which reported that philanthropic income surged by 23% year-on-year across 110 universities, during what was described as the most challenging funding environment in decades.
Tricia King, CASE global vice president (CASE), said: “Philanthropic giving is now at the heart of UK university culture.
“It provides vital funds to enable the nation’s universities to invest in new ground-breaking research that pushes back the boundaries of knowledge, improves social mobility by widening access to degree study, and builds world class facilities.”
