ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University reported a near record-level year of giving during the 2024-25 fiscal year, according to the Division of University Advancement.
Vice President Kevin Hughes said 2,829 donors gave $7,957,027 to the institution. That reflects a 73 percent increase in total giving over the 2023-24 fiscal year.
President Edward Serna ’02 delivered the great news to faculty and staff during his annual Welcome Back event held Aug. 18. “I’m going on record to say that this is Winthrop’s second-largest yearly giving total in the institution’s history. This proves once again that Winthrop is on the rise, and that donors and supporters are encouraged by all of our successes over the last few years,” Serna said.
Hughes agreed and added: “Our alumni and friends of the university have generously responded after seeing the positive changes happening here. We’re grateful for the transformative financial support that our students will receive because of the selfless giving of so many.”
The Winthrop Fund saw a 76 percent increase in dollars raised during the 2025 fiscal year when compared to the 2024 fiscal year, which amounted to $821,350 in 2025 compared to $466,230 in 2024. The Winthrop Fund offers immediate support to students and the university. There are no restrictions on these gifts, allowing the university to address areas of greatest need.
The number of members in the President’s Circle, which recognizes donors who give $1,000 or more, also increased by 16 percent from 2024. Hughes said the 446 donors in 2025 is the highest number of members in Winthrop’s history.
Giving Day Brings in More Donors
Giving Day, which was held April 22-23, prompted 1,011 donors to contribute $391,233 to Winthrop. The Winthrop Fund received support from 263 donors and 243 donors gave to athletics-related programs and initiatives. Hughes noted that donors helped unlock 22 matching and challenge gifts to help further increase the giving total, and Giving Day helped secure 18 new monthly recurring gifts. “It was another record-breaking Giving Day, and we’re so grateful that our alumni and friends answered the call to give to an area or program that was of greatest interest to them.”
New Endowed Funds Established
Hughes also highlighted that 23 new endowments were established during 2024-25 fiscal year. Many alumni choose to direct their charitable giving to programs where they have an interest and see value, Hughes said. These endowments celebrated a variety of programs and interests specific to the donor.
For more information on how to give to Winthrop, please call 803/323-2275 or visit www.winthrop.edu/advancement.
