Endowment Report

Foundation President's Message

Russel B. Newton III

The University has many reasons to celebrate during this 35th anniversary year. Among them are the growth of its endowment and the achievements of its students.

I think these financial and academic accomplishments are inextricably linked. I'm proud our Foundation Board has played a major role in the University's growth by expertly managing donor gifts. Our Board is accountable to donors to ensure these funds are invested for maximum return and spent wisely.

The growth of UNF's endowment has been very impressive. In just over 20 years, the endowment has grown from approximately $1 million to its current $88 million.

We are now accountable for more than 200 endowed operating accounts. In the last fiscal year, the return on these invested funds helped more than 700 students receive scholarship assistance, resulted in several high–profile professorships and augmented a number of academic programs.

The results of this investment are evident in other returns—outstanding student accomplishments. In the 2006–2007 academic year 100 percent of UNF physical therapy graduates passed the national license exam; UNF athletes earned the most academic all–conference honors for the second year in a row; and all of UNF's teacher education graduates successfully completed all portions of the Florida Teacher Examination prior to graduation. The members of the Foundation Board are justifiably proud of these accomplishments.

I applaud President Delaney for his emphasis on accountability in all facets of the University's operation. By any standard you care to apply, UNF meets and often exceeds its obligations and commitments.

UNF over the next 35 years will continue to fulfill the hopes and dreams of its founders by making a quality education attainable for students from Northeast Florida and beyond.

Russell B. Newton III, President,
UNF Foundation


2006-2007 Endowment Report [pdf]