LEXINGTON, Ky. — Transylvania University announced it raised more than $8.65 million during the past giving year, the highest fundraising total in over 10 years, according to a statement from the institution published on the university's website.

The donations, which came from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the university, represent strong institutional support amid the historic $10 million gift announced in May that university officials called the largest in Transylvania's history.

Transylvania University, founded in 1780, is a private liberal arts college located in downtown Lexington with approximately 1,000 students. The university is preparing for its 250th anniversary campaign leading up to a 2030 celebration, university officials said.

The latest fundraising success reflects broad support from the Transylvania community. The university's graduating Class of 2026 demonstrated institutional pride through the Senior Challenge fundraising initiative, with students supporting academic programs, athletic teams, scholarships and campus improvements of their choice, according to university records.

The increased giving comes as Transylvania continues to invest heavily in student scholarships and financial aid. The university reported that 99 percent of students receive financial aid, with average awards exceeding $40,000 per year, making a private liberal arts education more accessible to prospective students.