The following is a press release from University Communications on the morning of Jan. 19:­

Alumni and friends of the California State University returned giving to a level near pre-recession records and far exceeding the prior year, according to the­Philanthropic Annual Report­prepared for the CSU Board of Trustees.

In 2010-2011, the CSU received more than $344 million in gift commitments, nearly a one-third increase from the $265 million committed in 2009-2010. Gift receipts, new gifts and pledge payments, in 2010-2011 totaled more than $240 million, a significant increase from the prior year’s $228 million.

At Fresno State, the CSU reported, gift commitments exceeded $15.7 million, while gift receipts totaled $14.1 million for the year ended June 30, 2011.

The Campaign for Fresno State — the university’s first comprehensive campaign — had exceeded 84 percent of the $200 million goal during the CSU reporting period. The campaign total grew to more than $170 million by the end of 2011, nearly 90 percent of the goal.

These gifts support scholarships, academic programs, capital improvements and endowments, enhancing the Fresno State experience for thousands of students.

“Generous supporters are helping the university excel in countless areas including teaching, research, athletics and arts,” said Garrett P. Ashley, CSU vice chancellor for university relations and advancement. “However, these gifts cannot fully replace what the state has cut.”

One reason that fundraising cannot replace lost state funding is that 97 percent of all charitable gifts received are designated by the donors to support specific interests. Programs, services, scholarships and other areas that receive gifts then use the resources to attain a margin of excellence greater than otherwise possible.

For more information visit:­http://www.calstate.edu/universityadvancement/reports/1011philanthropicsupport/.