With the help of nearly 50,000 alumni, parents, students and friends, UC Davis raised more than $81.5 million in philanthropic support during the 2005-06 fiscal year.

The amount raised marks the second-highest yearly total for UC Davis and represents an increase of more than $2 million -- or 3 percent -- above the previous year's total. It also marks the fourth consecutive year that philanthropic support has increased and includes 16 donors who provided gifts or pledges of $1 million or more -- a UC Davis record.

Gifts and philanthropic grants received reflect a variety of interests from scholarships to cancer research. They raised the university's presence in specific areas, such as teacher education, international economics and American history, while unrestricted gifts gave UC Davis the flexibility to address campus priorities and respond to emerging opportunities.

Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef was enthusiastic about the possibilities created by the charitable gifts and grants and by the level of philanthropic support directed at UC Davis, which receives about 21 percent of its total budget from the state.

"This generosity underscores the trust donors have in our faculty to conduct transformational teaching and research and the faith they have in the quality and promise of UC Davis students," Vanderhoef said. "Every dollar given to UC Davis makes an impact that reverberates far beyond the university."

Each of the university's colleges and schools received significant financial support, with the Health System raising the highest amount at more than $23 million, followed by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at $15.7 million, and the School of Veterinary Medicine at $14.7 million.

Donors included alumni, appreciative patients, interested friends, organizations committed to specific causes and even current students making a graduation gift. Gifts ranged from $20.06, the amount that some graduating seniors donated in honor of their class year, to a $4.4 million bequest from Theodora Peigh to the School of Veterinary Medicine.

Peigh, through her estate, is one of the 16 donors who provided gifts, philanthropic grants and pledges of $1 million or more. All were received in the 2005-06 fiscal year that ended June 30, and included:

• A priceless collection from the Michael Harrison Estate to complete the transfer of the Michael and Margaret B. Harrison Western Research Center Collection to the UC Davis General Library. The Western Americana collection includes more than 21,000 volumes, Native American baskets and pottery, western artwork and other rare items.
• $2.6 million from the American Cancer Society Inc. to the School of Medicine and College of Biological Sciences.
• $1.65 million from the William and Inez Mabie Family Foundation toward the School of Law building expansion initiative.

Half of the philanthropic total was directed toward research. Student support -- including scholarships and fellowships -- and department/faculty support each received 12 percent. Campus improvement and other program support received the remaining 26 percent.

Philanthropic support established new endowed chairs, including the Dolly and David Fiddyment Chair in Teacher Education, the W.K. Kellogg Endowed Chair in Sustainable Food Systems and the C. Bryan Cameron Distinguished Chair in International Economics.

"I believe in contributing to those institutions that have made an impact in my life," said donor and UC Davis alumnus Bryan Cameron. "And I believe in the excellence in teaching and research in the UC system and in UC Davis." Cameron received his bachelor's degree in economics at UC Davis in 1980 and is the co-director of research for Dodge & Cox, Inc., a large investment management firm with headquarters in San Francisco.

Of the $81.5 million, a total of $21.7 million was committed to permanently invested funds -- or endowments -- to provide ongoing support for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, research and other university programs. Donors directed $14 million of these funds to support the university through the UC Davis Foundation. The foundation, established in 1959, receives private gifts to benefit UC Davis, invests its endowed gift funds and other private assets, and advises university leaders in areas related to public trust and support. The foundation board of trustees is currently led by UC Davis alumna Meg Stallard, class of 1968.

Meanwhile, the UC Davis Annual Fund had its best year on record, increasing 5 percent from the year prior, to a total of nearly $1.85 million. More than 19,000 individuals contributed to the fund, which provides flexible support to areas where the need is greatest.

The level of philanthropic support for UC Davis remains strong. For seven consecutive years, totals have topped more than $70 million annually.

"Our donors are helping us build a better future for California and the world," said Vanderhoef. "We are grateful to everyone who supports UC Davis."