UM on track to set fundraising record

MISSOULA  — University of Montana officials expect to break the school’s fundraising record during the current fiscal year that ends June 30.

The university already has raised $36.2 million. The record is $36.9 million set in 2009.

Beth Hammock of the UM Foundation, the university’s funding arm, says it’s almost certain the record will be broken.

The most recent gift was $5 million from an anonymous donor for scholarships.

The school launched a drive in July called the Invest in Student Success Initiative with a goal of raising $45 million in three years for scholarships.

The program has brought in more than $20 million in the first nine months.