Contributions to Kansas University are coming in at a record pace, soaring to $253.2 million in the last fiscal year, a 45 percent increase over the previous year.

Officials on Tuesday attributed the increase to an improving economy, major projects and a continuing high-profile fundraising effort.

“This record of private giving from our alumni and friends demonstrates their belief in KU to be a beacon of hope for today and for future generations,” said Drue Jennings, chair of the Board of Trustees of KU Endowment, the fundraising arm of KU.

The total, which covered the fiscal year that ended June 30, will go toward the university and KU Hospital. It represented the seventh straight year of increases in giving, officials said.

The donations included $193.1 million in outright gifts and pledges, $59.1 million in deferred commitments and $1 million in contributions made directly to KU.

“The generosity of Jayhawks is tremendous, and their donations are vital to advancing our mission of educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world,” said KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little.

Giving highlights included seven new professorships, 91 new scholarships and fellowships and leadership gifts for new facilities, including Capitol Federal Hall, the DeBruce Center, the Earth, Energy and Environment Center and the hospital’s Cambridge North project.

Bob Page, president and chief executive officer of KU Hospital, said, “Our donors are the best. They truly understand the financial constraints on health care as well as our goal to be the most successful hospital in the country and how our partnership with KU Endowment is part of our success.”

The fiscal 2014 gifts count toward Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas, a $1.2 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign. Through June 30, donors had given $1.15 billion for the campaign.

Dale Seuferling, president of the KU Endowment credited part of the 45 percent increase in giving to momentum from the Far Above campaign, which was kicked off two years ago.

“The messaging for the campaign is resonating with donors,” Seuferling said. He said “marquee projects,” such as the planned School of Business building and EEEC also drive contributions. And, he said, some alums are motivated to support funding where they feel the state’s commitment is lacking, such as in support of student scholarships and specific facilities.

“Donors don’t want to replace state funding but there are places where they realize they can have an impact on the quality of education,” he said.

National reports and studies, including a survey released earlier this year by the Council for Aid to Education, show that charitable giving to colleges and universities is at an all-time high in large part because of the surging stock market.

And a report by Marts & Lundy, a national fundraising consultant firm, noted that mega-gifts were back in vogue. “Higher education remains the principal generator of the ‘big ideas’ that lead to big gifts,” the report said.