NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma has broken its fundraising record with over $427 million in gifts during the 2026 fiscal year ending June 30. This total exceeds OU’s previous record of $352 million set in fiscal year 2025.
“Years like this don’t happen by chance,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “They happen when people across the OU Family see where this university is headed and choose to be a part of it. This milestone says something powerful about the future we are building together.”
More than 31,000 alumni and friends joined together to support the university this past fiscal year. OU received a record 76 gifts of $1 million or more in fiscal year 2026, bringing the Lead On: The University of Oklahoma Campaign for the Future to a total of 337 gifts at this level.
Support throughout the year advanced priorities across every area of the university, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening academic excellence and accelerating research and patient care. Among the year's largest commitments were Kelly Mitchell's $10 million gift supporting renovations to Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium; Mike and Charlene Fleming's $8 million planned gift establishing scholarships for students from Pauls Valley, Okla., and surrounding Garvin County; and Darrel Cornell's $3 million gift establishing a fellowship for engineering graduate students through an extraordinary contribution made entirely of gold coins.
Philanthropy also accelerated transformative initiatives across OU Health. A historic $20 million gift from the Presbyterian Health Foundation — the largest gift in OU Health Campus history — will advance pediatric cardiac care, while a $2 million commitment from the Stuart Family Foundation will help expand the new OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma to Tulsa, bringing comprehensive cancer care closer to patients across northeastern Oklahoma.
While transformational gifts helped propel the university to another record-setting year, support came from donors at every giving level. Thousands of alumni and friends demonstrated that donations of every size play an essential role in strengthening the university's mission and creating opportunities for future generations with 47,588 gifts of less than $100 made.
Other supporters like Michelle McCluer took the next step in their gift-giving journey by joining President’s Associates, the university’s leadership annual giving program. Since 1979, President's Associates has provided flexible support that enables university leaders to address emerging needs and invest in opportunities that strengthen OU's academic mission, while also allowing members to direct a portion of their gift to the college or program they most care about.
"I received scholarships that allowed me to earn two degrees without the burden of overwhelming debt," McCluer said. "Those opportunities shaped my career and my life. I give because I believe today's students deserve those same opportunities, and I want to help ensure the next generation can experience everything OU made possible for me."
Scholarships become life-changing opportunities for students. Donor support reduces financial burdens, allowing them to focus on their education, pursue leadership experiences and prepare for successful careers.
"This support took pressure off of me and my family and let me put my full focus on school and the work that matters to me," said Kylah Bowser, a junior majoring in accounting and business intelligence and analytics. "Because of it, I have been able to maintain a 4.0, stay involved in leadership and community programs, and keep moving toward my goals. I am grateful for every donor who made this possible, and I hope to give back the same way one day."
Stories like Bowser's repeat across the university every day as philanthropic support helps students pursue their education, fuels groundbreaking research, strengthens patient care and expands programs that serve communities throughout Oklahoma. Together, these investments ensure the University of Oklahoma prepares future leaders while addressing the state's most pressing challenges.
“This record-breaking year is a testament to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of the OU Family,” said Jay Kahn, vice president and chief advancement officer of the University of Oklahoma Foundation. “Their support has helped position Lead On as the most successful fundraising campaign in our history. We are grateful for that partnership and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
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.
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The University of Oklahoma has broken its fundraising record with over $427 million in gifts during the 2026 fiscal year ending June 30. This total exceeds OU’s previous record of $352 million set in fiscal year 2025.
