The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) recently presented its 2003 CASE/Wealth ID Award for superior educational fund-raising performance to St. Edward's University. The award, which recognizes institutions that show solid growth, broad support, and other indications of mature, well-maintained programs, comes just three years after St. Edward's University President George E. Martin, Ph.D., and the Board of Trustees implemented a set of seven strategic priorities and an ambitious master plan to shape the institution's future. Since the adoption of the plan in 2001,

St. Edward's has experienced unprecedented growth including two record-setting years of fund raising that generated nearly $20 million dollars.

"We are especially pleased to earn this national recognition because it acknowledges the university's commitment to and progress toward our goal of becoming recognized as one of the best small universities in the country," said Michael Larkin, newly appointed vice president of university advancement. "The increased support from our donors confirms their belief in the future of St. Edward's and our tradition of academic excellence within a personalized educational experience."

The CASE award is particularly meaningful as schools do not apply for the award; judging is based on fund-raising statistics from the previous three fiscal years submitted to the Council for Aid to Education. Of nearly 300 colleges and universities considered, only 40 institutions were awarded recognitions based on their overall improvement in fund raising, including the pattern of growth in total financial support, evaluation of what contributed to the total support figure, overall breadth in program areas, pattern of donor growth and total alumni support.

Founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St. Edward's University has been named as one of America's Best Colleges for 2004 by U.S. News & World Report. St. Edward's is a private Catholic, liberal arts university of approximately 4,300 students located in Austin, Texas.