Drury University sees second-highest performance ever in annual giving

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Drury University donors committed more than $11.8 million in the 2025 fiscal year in outright gifts, pledge payments, and future commitments — the second-highest performance ever in annual giving, with more than $3.2 million being contributed to the Drury Student Success Fund. 

The Drury Student Success Fund provides immediate-use support that enhances every aspect of the student experience — from scholarships and academic support to career preparation and campus life. 

The success of the annual fund was significantly boosted by the O’Reilly-Wooten Challenge, which issued $1.5 million in matching funds, according to a Drury news release.

“We are especially grateful for the exceptional support of the O’Reilly and Wooten families and their Student Success matching challenge, which inspired others to give, and helped elevate our impact,” Drury University President Jeff Frederick said in the release. “We celebrate the O’Reilly and Wooten families and all our donors that made this year a success.”

In addition to outright gifts and pledges totaling more than $6.6 million, donors also committed $5.2 million in future support through new pledges and new planned gifts, the release said. 

The 2025 fiscal year’s conclusion also marks the end of Frederick’s first year leading Drury. The release notes his “dynamic leadership” and “deep community engagement” have made a significant impact connecting the community with the campus.

“President Frederick is bringing bold ideas and tireless energy to Drury University,” said Walt George ‘79, Chair of the Drury Board of Trustees, in the release. “His leadership is strengthening the institution and reaffirming Drury’s place in the Springfield community and beyond.”