Alumni, friends fuel another exceptional year of giving at Purdue

In fiscal year 2026, which ends today (June 30), Purdue University continued a period of robust philanthropic support, alumni engagement and campaign progress.

Nearly 84,000 alumni and friends invested in Purdue’s future and generated more than $540 million in new gift and pledge commitments. The philanthropic funds received exceeded $300 million, providing immediate resources to advance strategic priorities. The fundraising year ranks among the three strongest on record and reflects sustained confidence in “Victories & Heroes: Your Campaign for Purdue.”

The campaign, the most comprehensive and ambitious fundraising endeavor in Purdue’s history, surpassed the halfway mark this year, reaching $2.2 billion toward its $4 billion goal. Through their gifts, more than 177,200 donors have powered student success, faculty excellence, groundbreaking research and partnerships that expand Purdue’s global impact.

As “Victories & Heroes” gains momentum, Boilermakers around the world are demonstrating their commitment in more ways than ever — nearly 381,000 alumni and friends have taken part through philanthropy and meaningful connection with the university.

This broad engagement was reflected in the success of Purdue Day of Giving on April 29. It was a top-two year for total number of gifts and a top-three year for dollars raised — donors contributed 34,454 gifts totaling $95.5 million in a single day.

Private support is enabling bold ideas that address real-world challenges and enhance the university’s competitive edge.

A $20 million commitment from the Ricks Family Foundation will establish the Purdue Institute for Healthcare Systems Innovation within the Mitch Daniels School of Business. Anchored in the Daniels School’s economic and strategic expertise — and reinforced by targeted collaborations with the colleges of Engineering and Pharmacy — the institute will allow Purdue to lead at the crossroads of healthcare economics and delivery.

In May, Purdue Athletics launched the Cathy Wright-Eger Legacy of Leadership Program, a $22.5 million endowment initiative that will create permanent full-ride scholarships for Boilermaker student-athletes across all 18 sports. The program will expand access, improve recruitment and retention, and enrich the student-athlete experience.

The extraordinary generosity of the Purdue community is strengthening the university’s land-grant mission while bolstering its reputation for excellence and helping provide a world-class education that is affordable and accessible.