UTEP Reaches Historic $70 Million Fundraising Milestone, Setting New Record

While donor participation declines nationally in higher education, UTEP mobilized a record 6,703 donors

EL PASO, Texas (Nov. 10, 2026) – The University of Texas at El Paso announced today that it raised a record-breaking $70 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2025-26, marking the highest annual fundraising total in the University’s history – and beating out the last record set in fiscal year 2024 by almost $20 million. The record-breaking year also included 6,703 donors, marking a new high in philanthropic participation at UTEP.

Paydirt Pete poses with a student during UTEP's Raise Your Pick Giving Day, the University's annual day of philanthropy and community engagement. Gifts from thousands of donors helped UTEP reach a historic $70 million fundraising milestone and set a record for donor participation.

 “This historic achievement reflects the extraordinary confidence our supporters have in our mission,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “Their generosity is an investment in our students and our academic excellence. We couldn’t do nearly as much without them.”

The funds raised support a variety of initiatives, including student scholarships, academic and research initiatives, faculty recruitment and retention, campus enhancements, athletics and other strategic priorities that advance student success and institutional excellence.

“This milestone reflects UTEP’s growing reputation for the life-changing impact our University has on its graduates and our region,” said Jesse Pisors, Ed.D., Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Below are examples of supporters whose contributions helped make this achievement possible in 2025-26.

• Lou Ella Burmeister gave $80,000 to the Dr. Lou Ella Burmeister Student Excellence Gift Fund, which offers support for College of Liberal Arts students doing study abroad.
• Wang Tang made his first-ever gift to UTEP, contributing $19,750 to the Golden Grad Endowed Scholarship Fund in honor of his 50th year reunion.
• Victoria Borrego pledged $10,000 to the Engineering Program Enhancement Fund at the Miguel A. Loya College of Engineering. Funding provides support for internships, hands-on projects and equipment.
• Frank and Shirley Sloan provided a $30,000 match and donor challenge to the Woody L. Hunt College of Business Student Success Fund for Raise Your Pick Giving Day, inspiring more than 90 donors to give and helping establish a new program supporting student experiential learning opportunities.

Last Updated on November 10, 2026 at 12:00 AM | Originally published November 10, 2026

By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications