By Vanessa Figg,
February 23, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO - For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Central Missouri
Foundation has increased the payout from its endowments in support of students and
academic programs. The Foundation Board of Directors authorized a payout of $1.3 million
for fiscal year 2017, which is a 9.72-percent increase from FY16 and nearly triple
the payout since FY 12.
“At a time when access and completion of college is a national priority for students
and their families, the support of our alumni and friends providing scholarship assistance
in a way that makes a historic difference at the University of Central Missouri is
deeply appreciated,” said Charles Ambrose, UCM president.
While UCM’s average student debt load continues to be lower than most due to the University’s
commitment to keeping tuition affordable, the national student debt load surpassed
a record $1 trillion in 2013, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
“This increasing level of scholarship directly reflects our donors’ compassion for
giving. It also makes it possible for the university to serve the largest enrollment
in our history, hold our cost increases below inflation, help more students complete
their degrees on time, and produce a record number of graduates, all while reducing
the debt burden of our students by nearly $10 million over the last two years,” Ambrose
said. “This outstanding stewardship by the UCM foundation accounts for nearly 25 percent
of this debt reduction, and these gifts will provide a lifetime of significance to
future alumni. We thank you on their behalf.”
Jason Drummond, vice president for alumni relations and development and foundation
executive director, credited donors and the foundation board for the consistent increase
in the payout rate. “This is a testament to our generous donors who believe in our
mission, as well as our Foundation Board of Directors, who are fully committed to
supporting the great work of UCM students, faculty and staff,” he said.
Drummond noted that several years of astute financial planning by the foundation board
contributed to the cosistent payout rate increases, which are calculated from the
earnings on the nearly 500 endowments managed by the foundation.
“The foundation has the power to alleviate some of the financial burden that often
serves as a barrier for students trying to fulfill their college aspirations,” Drummond
said. “In many cases, a few hundred dollars stands between a student’s ability to
continue their college experience and dropping out for financial reasons. I am fortunate
to work with a board that understands their role in helping as many students possible
continue their experience.”
