Across Virginia and beyond, donor support helps students pursue a Virginia Tech education, researchers tackle complex challenges, and communities benefit from the university’s expertise and outreach
During the past fiscal year, alumni, friends, students, employees, corporations, and foundations invested in Virginia Tech’s land-grant mission at unprecedented levels. Their giving helps strengthen Virginia’s workforce, improve health outcomes, advance innovation, and create new opportunities
For thousands of students, philanthropy makes possible a Virginia Tech education and related experiences that help them thrive after graduation. Giving provides researchers with crucial reallenges. And it enhances the university’s ability to prepare workforce talent, help the state economy, and draw more than 500,000 visitors per year to athletic events
“The extraordinary generosity of our alumni, friends, partners, and employees strengthens Virginia Tech across the board and helps us empower thousands of students each year with the knowledge, skill, experience, and confidence to lead us into the future,” said university President Tim Sands. “Donors are essential partners in attracting talented faculty and students, developing meaningful research, expanding experiential learning, and elevating athletic performance. The impact of their gifts will continue to grow as we extend our outreach and service to communities across Virginia and the world.”
Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, the donors made more than $356.2 million in new gifts and commitments, the highest single-year total ever. This generosity will enhance Virginia Tech’s ability to serve for generations. Among many examples:
A $10 million estate gift commitment was made to advance data science initiatives within the colleges of Science and Agriculture and Life Sciences, which will help students and researchers pursue innovative solutions to complex challenges
A record-setting $20 million bequest commitment to the School of Architecture in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design will help prepare future architects and empower school and college leaders to propel the program among the nation’s best
Support for the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine included a $20 million scholarship gift, the largest in the school’s history, strengthening efforts to educate future physicians, advance medical research, and improve health outcomes
“Investments like this don’t just fund scholarships,” Lee Learman, dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, said when the gift was announced. “They fund opportunities, futures, and healthier communities across Virginia.”
Philanthropy also advanced universitywide, multiyear priorities focused on access, student success, research prominence, and athletic competitiveness
Donors invested $52.0 million in line with Virginia Tech Advantage priorities and $81.3 million in line with Virginia Tech Global Distinction efforts, helping expand access for students while accelerating research, scholarship, and creative activity
Those commitments increased total support for Virginia Tech Advantage to $153.0 million and total support for Virginia Tech Global Distinction to $239.0 million. Together, these investments strengthen Virginia Tech’s ability to attract talented students and faculty, create transformative educational experiences, and generate new knowledge
Jaylee Lederhouse was one of many students to express gratitude for the role of giving in their education this past year
“I have a study abroad that’s built into my program – Italy for six weeks,” Lederhouse said in October. “Without the scholarship there’s no way I would have been able to do that. Virginia Tech Advantage puts me on the same level as my peers.”
Hokie Nation responded enthusiastically to the call to support student-athletes and competitive excellence. Athletics will benefit from a $75 million commitment, the largest in Virginia Tech history, along with a separate $20 million gift and a record-setting annual fund drive that raised nearly $26 million. These investments will enhance student-athlete experiences and performance through facilities, resources, coaches, and opportunities that support success in competition, the classroom, and beyond.
“Transformative support will have a tremendous impact on our football program and the young men who wear the Virginia Tech uniform,” head football coach James Franklin said when the $75 million commitment was announced, adding that “sustained investment is critical to competing for championships at the highest level.”
While transformational investments helped advance major priorities, the university’s philanthropic foundation continues to come from broad participation by Hokie Nation
More than half of the members of the Class of 2026 participated in the Senior Class Gift Campaign. Steadfast generosity from all generations of alumni resulted in an undergraduate alumni giving rate over 20 percent for a fifth consecutive year
Giving Day once again demonstrated the power of collective generosity. Participation surpassed 25,000 supporters for the first time and included nearly 1,700 ambassadors who encouraged others to support causes they care about at the university. Together, participants contributed nearly $17.8 million during the 24-hour event held Feb. 18-19
Corporations, foundations, and other private organizations, made nearly $50 million in new gifts and commitments, reflecting the sustained value that partners place on Virginia Tech talent, innovation, and research expertise. The amount of cash donors provided through current-use gifts, pledge payments, estate gifts, or other giving mechanisms during increased 9 percent to $200.3 million
The year’s generosity also accelerated progress toward the goals of the Boundless Impact Campaign, which connects donor support with initiatives that expand opportunity for students, promote research excellence, and strengthen communities. Since its launch in 2019 with a goal of $1.5 billion, later expanded to $1.872 billion, the campaign has helped align donor passions with priorities that create life-changing programs. Through June 30, campaign support had exceeded $2.2 billion, and more than 127,600 people had engaged with the university in meaningful ways through campaign-related activities.
“The generosity of our alumni, friends, and partners reflects a deep commitment to Virginia Tech’s mission and to the students, communities, and lives touched by our work,” said Tom Wamsley, senior vice president for advancement. “Whether supporting scholarships, advancing research, creating learning experiences, or strengthening communities, our donors make it possible for Virginia Tech to serve in ways that matter. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and the difference they make every day.”
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