University of Houston-Victoria spring graduates support the university by purchasing and wearing red, gold, and black cords with their commencement robes. The Jaguar Spirit Cords were part of Jags Give Back, UHV’s first student giving program, which helped contribute to the university setting a new fundraising record for the 2014 fiscal year.

Thanks in part to an outpouring of support from students, faculty and staff, the University of Houston-Victoria set a new record for money raised during the 2014 fiscal year.

From Sept. 1, 2013, to Aug. 31, UHV received total commitments of $2.21 million, far exceeding the university’s goal of $900,000. The total easily outpaced the previous school record of $1.82 million, set in fiscal year 2013.

Vic Morgan

The funds raised include financial support from businesses, foundations and individuals such as university faculty, staff, students, alumni and community supporters. The total does not include federal and state funds. The contributions will be used for scholarships, academic programs, professorships, facilities and athletics.

“We are thankful for the incredible generosity displayed internally and externally during the past year,” UHV Interim President Vic Morgan said. “These contributions are a sign that the community and alumni are excited about what the future holds for our university. It’s great to receive these gifts as we develop into a comprehensive regional university.”

Greg Rutzen, UHV associate vice president and chief advancement officer, said the record is a university wide success. He said UHV’s four deans did an outstanding job raising money for their respective schools – Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Education & Human Development, and Nursing – and there has been great support from individual donors.

“We are grateful for our philanthropic partners in the Victoria community,” Rutzen said. “They provide vital support that helps drive UHV’s excellence in teaching, research and service.”

Rutzen also was pleased with contributions made by UHV faculty and staff members. The UHV All for One – One for All campaign started in 2006 as a way for UHV employees to give back to the university. “All for One” refers to everyone donating to UHV, and “One for All” refers to employees who give 1 percent of their salary back to the university.

“It’s a point of pride to have so many UHV faculty and staff members give back,” Rutzen said. “The employee participation rate has already increased by 21 percent compared with last fiscal year during the first six weeks of this year’s campaign. The message is clear: We believe UHV is a wonderful institution worthy of our gifts.”

Greg Rutzen

UHV’s first student giving program, Jags Give Back, was launched in the spring. A total of 121 spring graduates purchased red, black and gold cords to wear on their robes during spring commencement.

A total of $2,441 was raised from cord donations. Graduates directed their contributions to one of five areas: Friends of Arts & Sciences, School of Business Administration Endowed Professorship, School of Education & Human Development Scholarships, Friends of Nursing or General Athletic Scholarships Fund.

“About 38 percent of all graduates participated in Jags Give Back, which is a fantastic success rate for a new program,” Rutzen said. “We are excited that students and alumni want to contribute so that their fellow Jaguars have an outstanding college experience.”

For more information about contribution opportunities, contact the UHV Office of University Advancement at 361-570-4812 or rutzeng@uhv.edu.