Irving, Texas (Sept. 20, 2021) – For the first time in its 65-year history, the University of Dallas' endowment has reached the $100 million mark, at the same time that undergraduate enrollment hit a record 1,500 undergraduate students.

“Both are significant achievements in the life of our institution,” said President Jonathan J. Sanford, Ph.D. “We hope that the momentum will inspire continued investment in the lives of future generations of students, who, through the benefit of a UD education, are leaders well-equipped to serve their communities, the Church and our country.”

“Over the past 10 years, the University of Dallas’ endowment has consistently produced returns in excess of other universities with endowments of similar size,” said Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer Robert Watling. Citing a 2020 study of endowments by the National Association of College and University Business Officers/TIAA, Watling noted that UD’s endowment returns exceeded other university endowments valued between $51 million and $100 million by 1.06% (8% versus 6.94%) over 10 years.

“Well-managed endowments help a university balance both current and long-term operational needs. Growth of the endowment is important because distributions from those invested funds allow us to invest in our students through scholarships and to invest in our faculty,” Watling added.

The endowment’s growth has been further augmented by increased philanthropic giving. Cash gifts received in the fiscal year 2020-21 totaled over $4.4 million and, in this year to date, the university has received over $1 million in gifts since June 1, 2021. 

“We are tremendously grateful to the alumni and benefactors who, over these many decades, invested in our endowment to preserve our educational mission and ensure our long-term institutional health,” Sanford said.

This success is in part attributable to the university’s increased focus on endowed giving, which includes new funds that support student scholarships and faculty excellence. In 2020-21, UD established 18 new endowments, building on the record number of 16 set in the previous year. Partial listings of existing university endowments can be found here. 

“Despite many challenges we faced as a country and community in the past year, the continued growth in philanthropic giving to UD is a testament to the excitement and optimism that our alumni and friends have about the future of our institution,” said Vice President for Advancement Kris Muñoz Vetter. She added that with the inauguration of Sanford as the university’s 10th president on Oct. 1, “There’s a sense of momentum that the university is embarking on a path of growth while preserving its rich history and legacy.”