Furman raises over $50 million for third consecutive year

Furman University’s alumni, parents, and friends committed more than $50.3 million to the university in the final year of Clearly Furman: The Campaign for Our Third Century.

This is the third consecutive year that the university’s supporters have committed more than $50 million, the first time this has happened in the history of the institution.

“This was another groundbreaking year for Furman as we completed the Clearly Furman campaign.  Not only did we surpass the new campaign goal that was established in 2024, our supporters also helped us do so 7 months before the conclusion of the campaign,” said Shon Herrick, vice president for development. “We cannot thank our alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends enough for engaging and strengthening the Furman experience for our students in such a meaningful way.”

Nearly 9,000 individuals made gifts impacting Furman students this year.  The gifts supported annual operations, academic departments, institutes and centers, and athletic teams.  Donors continue to secure Furman’s future through endowed gifts, adding 23 new funds that will provide support in perpetuity.

Furman students welcome incoming Paladins at summer orientation. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.

Among the donors are nearly 4,000 supportive alumni whose Paladin passion runs deep. That passion doesn’t stop at a gift: More than 8,000 alumni have engaged with current students as mentors, hired Furman interns, spoken in a class, attended an event, or donated to their alma mater. Within that group, 100 alumni serve as board and council members, and 900 connected with the next generation of Paladins, sharing their career conversations with current students and drawing the wider Furman community into that work. We encourage all alumni to help the next generation of Paladins and connect with one another through The Furman Network. The Young Alumni Council established a new program, Beyond the Bell Tower, linking current students and alumni to focus on careers.

“Alumni returned virtually and in-person to campus to share their honest perspectives on life after college, career transitions, navigating today’s job market, personal well-being, and the evolving workplace,” said Morgan Cooper ’20, Young Alumni Council president. “Those experiences help students feel more prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead. More importantly, we remind students that they are joining a lifelong community of Paladins who are invested in their success long after graduation.”

Thousands of Furman supporters participated in the 12th annual Dins Day, raising more than $1.3 million celebrating Paladin pride and generosity. Furman’s athletic teams led the way with more than 2,000 donors.  Total giving supporting athletics surpassed more than $12.5 million during the fiscal year.

Furman men’s soccer coach Doug Allison, middle, joins his players in lifting the SoCon Championship trophy. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.

Giving makes opportunities

Furman provides students with a college experience that encourages and promotes their success in and out of the classroom, and donors who believe in these life-changing opportunities help fund the Paladin experience. In 2026, the generosity of our alumni, parents and friends resulted in commitments of nearly $22 million for scholarship support.

“Every student who walks through Furman’s gates deserves the chance to dream boldly, regardless of their financial circumstances,” said Furman Trustee Rachelle Harley Thompson ’92. “Establishing my scholarship was my way of opening that door for future generations. The greatest legacy we can leave is the lives we transform through education. As we celebrate Furman’s Bicentennial and look toward our third century, I hope others will join me in investing in talented students whose dreams will become Furman’s next great story.”

Thanks to donors, Furman is able to fulfill its promise of providing institutional aid to all students with demonstrated financial need, making a Furman education accessible to talented students.

Expanding scholarship support remains the top priority at Furman, as it improves access, boosts competitiveness and drives student success.

“It is essential that Furman be accessible to all who will flourish there. Helping future generations is deeply gratifying,” said Furman Trustee Lee Dilworth ’83 and wife Julie Krug ’84 Dilworth.

As Furman continues its Bicentennial celebration, please consider joining the thousands who support Furman by making a gift for student scholarship. Your gift will help provide the Furman experience for the next generation of Paladins.