Drury reports $14.5M in gifts during FY26

Drury University President Jeff Frederick said the institution continues to see an uptick in private giving, resulting in $14.5 million received in the 2026 fiscal year.

“Outside of a building campaign, the three best fundraising years in Drury history have been the last three,” Frederick said in a July 20 interview.

The university announced the amount for FY26 on July 23, which including $11.5 million in gifts during the fiscal year along with endowment and planned giving that will benefit students in the future.

The donations are earmarked for student scholarships and support, academic efforts and other top university priorities, officials said.

Frederick praised the support of the O’Reilly and Wooten families. They issued a challenge that expanded to $1.8 million in matching funds and resulted in a total of $3.2 million for the Student Success Fund, the second-highest annual total in university history.

Drury reported $11.8 in annual fundraising for FY25 and $15.6 million in FY24, part of the Fortify Our Future campaign.

“We are deeply grateful to every donor who chose to invest in Drury this year. Their generosity is changing lives by creating opportunities for students today while strengthening the future of our university,” Frederick said in a news release. “We are especially thankful to the O'Reilly and Wooten families for their continued leadership and vision.”

Drury said the challenge created momentum for new and expanded giving.

“These results reflect the confidence our alumni, parents and friends have in Drury University's future,” said Walt George, chair of the Drury Board of Trustees, in the release.

George, who graduated in 1979, also recognized the work of Frederick and Melanie Earl-Replogle, executive vice president for advancement.

He said, “Their commitment to strengthening relationships with our donors, enhancing stewardship and expanding philanthropic opportunities has positioned Drury for continued success and will benefit the university for years to come.”