Texas A&M shatters state record with $740 million in donations in one-year period

Texas A&M pulled in more than $740 million in donations in the past year, not only a record for the college but it also nearly doubles a state fundraising record by the University of Texas, according to officials at the A&M System.

The figure captures the period between Sept. 1 2012 to Aug. 31. It includes gifts to the university, private grants to the Division of Research, the Texas A&M Foundation, The Association of Former Students, George Bush Presidential Library Foundation and the 12th Man Foundation, the latter of which is hosting a herculean effort to finance a $450 million upgrade to Kyle Field.

The $740-plus million in donations outpaces university records for a 12-month period by $300 million, according to an A&M press release. The previous record for yearly fundraising by a university in the state - more than $400 million by the University of Texas - was announced by UT last month, A&M officials said.

A&M System Chancellor John Sharp made the A&M announcement in an email to donors on Saturday. He attributed the success to the university’s move from the Big XII to the Southeastern Conference.

More at http://www.theeagle.com/news/a_m/article_3726fad2-1ed6-11e3-b33e-0019bb2963f4.html .