Wayne State University's endowment grew to $313 million during the endowment reporting period ending June 30, 2014. The university's annualized investment return was a strong 14.1 percent. Wayne State's annualized rate of investment return was 8.0 percent during the past three years and 10.7 percent during the past five years.

Wayne State's endowment provides annual income to support university programs and initiatives in accordance with donor-specified terms. Although some of the endowment is unrestricted, most of it is designated for a specific purpose. Nearly two-thirds of the endowment supports students and faculty. An additional 13 percent supports the research facilities, equipment and infrastructure needed for students and faculty to make new discoveries.

"I am very pleased with this year's endowment performance," said President M. Roy Wilson. "A strong endowment is the best way to ensure that Wayne State can keep fulfilling its mission for generations of students to come."

The Wayne State University Foundation Investment Committee is responsible for managing endowment investments with assistance from university staff and an external advisor, NEPC, Inc. The committee has designed an investment policy to grow the endowment and protect the purchasing power of its assets over time.

"This year's endowment growth was in part the result of a strategic investment policy that protects donor-invested assets and supports the long-term strength of the university," said Paul Glantz, chair of the Wayne State University Foundation Investment Committee. "Wayne State's policy ensures a diversified portfolio through a carefully managed asset allocation and a mix of investment managers."

A key focus of Pivotal Moments: Our Campaign for Wayne State University is to significantly grow the endowment. The university has set a goal for one-quarter of the campaign's $750 million total to ensure permanent endowment funding, with the primary focus of new endowment resources to support students and faculty members.

For more information on supporting the future of Wayne State University through an endowed gift, visit http://pivotalmoments.wayne.edu/give/endowed.php.

(Posted on October 31, 2014)