Missouri Western State University foundation assets grow to $67 million this year
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- Missouri Western State University has seen its financial assets grow to nearly $67 million, driven by generous donor contributions and strong investment returns.
According to Missouri Western Foundation Chair Dennis Rosonke, the foundation’s assets increased from $62 million last year to $67 million by the end of this year
Rosonke said the foundation’s primary goal is to use these funds to support students by increasing access to financial aid.
“We did have the largest scholarship year, contributing over $1.2 million to students at the university. All of the support is going for the mission of the university and for its students,” Rosonke said.
He emphasized that this growth would not have been possible without the continued generosity of donors who contribute each year to expand financial opportunities for students.
Rosonke said the university is constantly exploring new ways to support students so they can pursue their education and achieve their academic goals.
“Always looking for another ways to increase enrollment and offer more programs to students because this is one of the things that the foundation does. Its the whole purpose of it,” Rosonke said.
He highlighted that students are given more opportunities since the university has tried to look at the scholarships and make them match student’s financial needs.
According to Rosonke, this year off the $4 million contribution received by the university, only seven percent of that was unrestricted which means it could be used however the university wants to spend that money on the students.
“Those dollars are always the most helpful since there are times when different needs arise and it gives us more flexibility to help the university in short falls,” Rosonke said.
He added that students now have more opportunities because the university has worked to align scholarships more closely with students’ financial needs.
“These are for our university students but there are restrictions on these scholarships like it could be restricted to certain programs but otherwise as long as you are a student here, you can use it for your academic needs,” Rosonke added.
According to Rosonke, of the $4 million in contributions received this year, only about seven percent was unrestricted, meaning those funds can be used at the university’s discretion.
He explained that many scholarships come with specific restrictions, requiring additional effort to establish programs that ensure the funds are properly distributed.
Additionally, he mentioned many donations come with donor-designated restrictions, requiring the university to follow specific guidelines on how the funds are used.
