A University of Wisconsin-Madison fundraising drive that began last fall with a $100 million pledge has generated about $250 million.
Alumni John and Tashia Morgridge pledged last November to match up to $100 million in donations to fund endowments for faculty. UW officials announced Tuesday that more than 1,000 donors have responded with $125 million and the Morgridges have agreed to match that figure.
The Morgridges' donation is the largest in school history.
UW-Madison took a $53 million cut in the latest state budget but Chancellor Rebecca Blank said most of the donation won't be used to fill that hole. She says the donors want the money to cover endowed positions.
University officials the gift will help grow the number of endowed professorships and chairmanships from 142 to 300.