Office of Development

About Us

About Us

Thanks to the leadership of President David L. Boren and the support of OU alumni and friends, OU has achieved remarkable fundraising success.

The University experienced its best year ever for cash gifts in FY 2008, raising more than $273 million in gifts and pledges.
 
At the end of FY 2008, OU’s total endowment was at an all-time high of $1.15 billion, a dramatic increase since FY 1994 when the endowment was $229 million.
 
This generosity has beautified campuses, built new facilities, enhanced programs, and strengthened faculty and the student body, and further motivated giving and goodwill about the institution.
 
Click here to talk to someone about giving to OU.

University Development Divisions

OU’s private-giving activities are effectively conducted by the University Development division in a strategic and coordinated approach on OU’s Norman, Health Sciences Center (Oklahoma City), and Schusterman Center (Tulsa) campuses. This division includes:
 

  • Central Development – A 45-person central development operation oversees and supports all of the University’s fund raising activities, including annual giving, communications, data records, and donor operations.
  • College Development – Assigned by college, development officers work with the alumni and friends of that college. A special effort is made to ensure that alumni and friends do not receive multiple and conflicting requests for funds.
  • Alumni Affairs –The OU Alumni Association is the official OU alumni organization and coordinates University activities in local communities throughout the country. This department’s efforts are important in OU’s fundraising activities.
  • University of Oklahoma Foundation Inc. – The Foundation receives and maintains the majority of the private gifts to the University. The Foundation exists solely for the benefit of OU. As a safeguard and in accordance with state law, it is a totally separate entity from the University, qualifying as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under state law and section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.