Kansas University is indeed fortunate to have the KU Endowment Association.

KUEA reported Monday that it had set a new record for private fundraising during the fiscal year that ended June 30, exceeding the previous record set last year by 45 percent. Donations for last year totaled more than $253.2 million compared with $174.2 million in fiscal year 2013.

The gifts all will be counted toward the $1.2 billion goal for the current KUEA campaign, known as “Far Above: The Campaign for Kansas.” Although that campaign will continue through 2016, last year’s pledges and gifts bring the total raised in the effort so far to $1.15 billion.

Last year’s gifts created seven new professorships and 91 new scholarships and fellowships at KU. Leadership gifts also supported new facilities including Capitol Federal Hall, the DeBruce Center and the Earth, Energy and Environmental Center on KU’s Lawrence campus, as well as the Cambridge North project at KU Hospital in Kansas City.

Since its founding in 1891, the KU Endowment Association has provided key support for KU’s mission. For most of that time, the KUEA’s role was viewed as raising funds to provide the “extras” that would help KU rise to even greater heights among its peers. In more recent years, as state support of KU declined to less than 20 percent of the university’s annual budget, KUEA has played an even more important role in sustaining the university and contributing to its educational mission.

KU is fortunate to have such a loyal group of alumni and friends who recognize the importance of higher education and want students now and in the future to enjoy the same opportunity they had to receive a university degree. Without the support of the KU Endowment Association and its many generous donors, KU would be a far different place.

Now, more than ever, KU is counting on private giving to support its existing operations and expand its educational and research excellence. The efforts and success of KUEA are a vital part of accomplishing that mission.