We are delighted to report that 2007 was a year of record-breaking fund raising for this great University. That’s why this year’s report is focused on the future: celebrating the potential made possible by unprecedented levels of private giving.

As a friend and supporter of the University of Minnesota, you play a vital role in shaping the future. The University’s vision to become a top-three public research university means that your investment is addressing the most pressing global issues of our time. With scholarships, more students are building bridges to a brighter tomorrow. In state-of-theart facilities, top faculty are training a 21st-century workforce. And world-class researchers are making major scientific breakthroughs.

During the past year, you have helped us secure $251 million in gifts – the most ever in a single year. We have experienced significant increases in the past, but fiscal 2007 exceeded our expectations, affirmed our belief in the engagement of our donors, and fueled our optimism for an exciting and productive future.

In addition to this milestone, another measure of our success was a 20 percent increase in the endowment, adding $231 million for a total of $1.4 billion, close to three times the total amount of the endowment 10 years ago. Thanks to new gifts, sound investment, and careful stewardship, the Foundation is ensuring the highest levels of performance on your investment in the University of Minnesota. We are making sure that the endowment will be there to advance your philanthropic intentions and help the U realize its vision for the future.

Thank you for your gifts, your commitment to the future, and your support of the University of Minnesota. We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors, Foundation trustees, University leaders, and development colleagues throughout the University.

Thanks to your generosity, we look ahead with confidence.

Fred R. Friswold Chair, Board of Trustees University of Minnesota Foundation

Gerald B. Fischer President and CEO University of Minnesota Foundation