"Universities throughout the state received increased levels of philanthropic gifts last year. Virginia State University and Virginia Tech announced record years. The College of William & Mary had its best year outside of a campaign. Hollins University in Roanoke received $75 million from a single anonymous alumna.

The rise in donations came largely from the pandemic, which exposed the needs of students, university fundraisers said. And for historically Black colleges and universities, the murder of George Floyd and the mega-donation from billionaire MacKenzie Scott paved the way for greater giving," reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Photo: VCU President Michael Rao announced a $104 million gift from Dr. R. Todd Stravitz and the Barbara Brunckhorst Foundation for the new Stravitz-Sanyal Liver Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University. ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH