NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma has broken its previous fundraising record with over $352 million in gifts during the fiscal year ending June 30. This total exceeds OU’s previous record of $334 million set in 2024, marking another monumental achievement in the fifth year of Lead On: The University of Oklahoma’s Campaign for the Future. In total, over $1.5 billion has been raised toward the Lead On campaign goal of $2 billion.
“Reaching this milestone is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “This achievement not only reflects the passion and generosity of our community – it fuels opportunity, innovation and excellence across the University of Oklahoma. It’s a moment of celebration, but even more, it’s a launchpad for achieving our ambitious goals as an institution.”
More than 31,000 alumni and friends joined together to support the university this past fiscal year. OU received a record 72 gifts of $1 million or more in fiscal year 2025, bringing the Lead On campaign to a total of 263 $1 million+ gifts. OU Athletics has also received a record-breaking $113 million in support, surpassing the $109 million raised in 2024.
This year’s Giving Day saw OU set a new single-day fundraising record of more than $30 million. Contributions came in from all 50 states and 21 countries, with a total of nearly 7,000 gifts, pushing the university closer to achieving the goals outlined in the refreshed “Lead On” Strategic Plan.
“The Lead On campaign shows that, when the OU community comes together, we can accomplish incredible things,” said Amy Noah, vice president and chief advancement officer of the University of Oklahoma Foundation. “Every gift moves OU forward, fueling progress and ultimately changing the lives of each of our students.”
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
About the OU Foundation
The University of Oklahoma Foundation is an independent charitable organization that facilitates and manages philanthropic gifts to support the University of Oklahoma. With a culture of integrity, skill and persistence, we align the passions of donors and our alumni with the indelible mission of the University of Oklahoma.
The University of Oklahoma has received a transformative gift from Jon and Shannon McCartney, which will name the McCartney Family Tunnel of Champions, the McCartney Family Gate of the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and the McCartney Family Grand Lecture Hall in the Michael F. Price College of Business. The gift will also support the Inspiring Champions and the Athletic Director’s Discretionary Fund, in addition to establishing the McCartney DFW Career Trek program at Price College.
The University of Oklahoma today celebrated the opening of a new air traffic control tower at the OU Max Westheimer Airport. Standing 106 feet tall, more than double the current 52-foot facility, the new tower will modernize air traffic control operations and improve safety for pilots and students operating in the airspace.
Do I buy groceries or pay the electric bill? Should I pawn some of my belongings to afford my prescription? My child is sick, so I will have to miss work to take care of him. Those are just a few of the difficult choices that OU-Tulsa health professional students confronted during the Community Access to Resources Experience. The role-playing activity challenged students to navigate the financial, family and other pressures that can affect a person’s health and ability to follow medical advice. Held annually during the SCM Institute orientation week, the experience is designed to generate understanding and build empathy.
