The newly elevated School of Accounting has much to celebrate, including two back-to-back years of million-dollar-plus fundraising.

During fiscal year 2016-17, which ended June 30, the department raised nearly $1.2 million. It officially became a School of Accounting July 1. The name change more accurately describes current coursework and programming, which exceeds that of a department.

A significant gift to fund scholarships from Hope Anstett "55, combined with robust giving by the accounting community helped propel the achievement.

“In addition, gifts to our unrestricted cash fund were up 51 percent compared to the prior year," explained Margaret Savoian, Outreach Director, School of Accounting. “This is due to increased membership in the Accounting Circle and increased gifts by continuing members, as well as a sizeable estate gift from an accounting alumna who passed away in 2016."

This milestone comes on the heels of a very successful 2015-16 fiscal year of fundraising, totaling approximately $1.6 million.

During 2015-16, the vast majority of the gifts were for the Gernon Faculty Excellence Endowment Fund, including a generous match gift, Savoian said.