Reasons We Give

Because of this moment

In 2009, LMU proudly welcomed 2,053 LMU undergraduates and graduates as the newest generation of alumni. Your gift makes the dream of higher education become a reality for hundreds of students. Read more >>

Because you look to the future

The generosity of supporters like you brought the William H. Hannon Library to campus in Aug. 2009. The state-of-the-art facility, situated on the bluffs overlooking Los Angeles, combines modern technology and scholarly traditions to equip students with the resources they need to be successful. Read more >>

Because you remember

In 1989-90 the LMU men's basketball team captured hearts across the nation after the passing of team leader Hank Gathers. During the NCAA tournament, Bo Kimble paid tribute to his childhood friend by shooting his first free throw of each game left-handed. Read more >>

Because Sr. Peg gave so much, give back to honor her legacy

Sister Peg exemplified the heart and soul of LMU's mission and values. She dedicated herself to LMU and Campus Ministry and left a legacy that will be remembered and honored for generations to come. Your gift in her honor helps to continue the mission and traditions she cherished so deeply. Read more >>

Because you believe in future generations

LMU undergraduates have many ways of giving back to the community including Lions for Learning, an LMU off-campus program aimed at increasing the quality of learning for young minds. Read more >>

Because of the professor that changed your life

Jodie Finkel, associate professor in the Political Sciences department makes a difference by encouraging her students to find their passion and to make a difference. Read more >>

Because you hope to continue the tradition

An education at LMU is more than just text books and exams. It's throwing people in the fountain on their birthday, the roar of the crowd in Hank's House, spending convo hour on the Lair Patio and the excitement of Midnight Madness. Your gift to LMU is a commitment to pass on these traditions to future generations. Read more >>

Because nothing brings us together like a big game

No matter what matters to you the most at LMU, when the big game comes and there are 4,250 of us packed in Gersten Pavillion, we're all Lions cheering as one. Gifts to LionsFund help make that special experience that brings us all together in a way nothing else can - Go Lions! Read more >>

Because LMU has an impact on the community

Where is LMU? Working with local business partners, in medical facilities, in the arts and at fellow educational institutions. What is LMU doing? Striving for a better tomorrow, not just at LMU, but in our communities and around the world. Read more >>

Because being a donor makes you a part of a new family

Our family of donors is as diverse and true to our mission as the students that walk this campus every day. Our donors - alumni, parents and friends - all contribute to sustain the excellence at LMU, to support their areas of interest and they do as members of our family of donors. Read more >>

Because you are the only one that can make your gift

No matter how much anybody else gives, nobody can fill your spot as a donor except yourself. Any gift of any size counts you as a donor and means that you are on our side. Read more >>

Because you had an amazing experience abroad

Imagine the value of studying sculpture in Tuscany, singing in an Italian opera training program, participating in national and world debate competitions or touring with the choruses. Your gift opens doors around the world. Read more >>

Because our students pay it forward and inspire others

Gifts to LionsFund support our student athletes, many of whom give back to the community through the Student Athletes-College Connection. Seventh-graders meet once a month with LMU student-athletes to get an introduction to college life and are encouraged to put higher education in their plans. Read more >>

Because you choose how to support LMU

We encourage you to give to your favorite LMU college or program. With more than 350 designations to choose from, every initiative contributes to the success of future generations and the success of LMU. Read more >>

Because you want others to benefit the way you did from LMU

You can help one of our many students finish their education at LMU by donating to scholarships. More than 73% of LMU students currently receive financial aid. Read more >>

Because all gifts to LMU made by the class of 2010 count toward the Senior Class Gift total

A donation to LMU is one of the most influential decisions you can make because your gift ensures that LMU will continue to thrive and benefit future men and women. By making a gift as a senior, you are showing your dedication to LMU and we count on people such as yourself to continue to support LMU for years to come. Read more >>

Because you believe LMU's excellence deserves greater recognition

LMU is currently ranked 4th in alumni giving participation amongst WCC schools. This ranking reflects our alumni's commitment to LMU's mission and its community both now and for the future. Help Take LMU to #1 today! Read more >>

Because you made friends for life

You lived through freshman English, intramurals, late night walks around campus, lunch in the dining hall, all-night finals study sessions and graduation together and it was all just the start. Read more >>

Greg & Glenda Vanni Parents '12

Greg and Glenda Vanni were always very active in their daughter Alexis' high school programs, so when they were asked to be involved with LMU's Parents Council, it was a natural fit. Read more >>

Because every dollar makes a difference

Every year, LMU raises more than $700,000 from individuals who make donations of $250 or less. Your support means far more than the amount of your gift. Collectively, every donation benefits LMU students and faculty while bringing us closer to our campaign goal. Read more >>

Because there is nothing like the view from the bluff

Of our alumni, many can simply close their eyes and bring back the feeling of standing on the bluff, imagining the feeling of having no idea where life would take them. The bluff represents the promise of opportunities ahead and the world at your feet. Over the years, the view may change, but that feeling never will. Read more >>

Because your circle of friends now circles the world

Every year, about 1,700 students graduate from LMU and become part of an influential network of more than 38,368 undergraduate, 11,618 graduate and 14,194 law school alumni in Los Angeles, throughout the nation and the world. Read more >>

Kristen Loy '09

As a young donor, Kristen knows her gift will not only influence others to give, but also will directly benefit the organizations that meant so much to her while she attended LMU. Read more >>

Because nothing feels as good as beating Pepperdine

Gifts to LionsFund support our student athletes in all 21 intercollegiate sports that LMU sponsors. Twelve of those teams compete in their seasons vs. Pepperdine and each win over the Waves - whether in basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, baseball or water polo - is a win for everyone! Read more >>

Because you value volunteerism

The Service Organization Program is a student-run volunteer service program which fosters community and spirituality among its members. Every service organization has its own unique mission, history, charisma and organization structure. Read more >>

Because you agree diversity is fundamental to our mission and identity

LMU is a place where people feel free to say what they think and where they also listen with respect to what others say. Through speaking and listening, we probe diversity and work through the challenges it poses. The Office of Ethnic and Intercultural Service works in concert to empower all students to participate fully in campus life and achieve personal success. Read more >>

Because LMU is more than just a university

"LMU is more than just a school to me; it is my family." - Laura Dzida '09 Read more >>

Because you may not even realize all that you have

In these difficult economic times, we have often heard apologies from those who do not believe they can contribute as much or at all. Your support means far more than the amount of your gift. Read more >>

Because you can increase the value of your degree

The percentage of alumni who give back to their school during the fiscal year is one of the most important factors in ranking colleges and universities nationwide. Currently, LMU is ranked fourth in the West Coast conference by the U.S. News and World Report. Read more >>

Because the opportunities you were given are irreplaceable

You were encouraged and provided opportunities to share your intellectual or artistic work to peers and others in academia. Those are the types of exceptional student experiences that help LMU attract diverse and talented students. Read more >>

Because we are all Lions

Your support for LionsFund helps provide an opportunity for success for all our Athletics teams and student athletes. Your gift to LionsFund also helps with scholarships, team support and operations, recruiting, facilities and many other areas critical to building a foundation for championships and athletic excellence. Read more >>

Because a friend of LMU can also be a Lion

Many of our donors are non-alums who give to the university because they believe in LMU and its efforts. They support different initiatives on campus, but they share one reason for giving... they believe in LMU. Read more >>

Because your learning extended far beyond the classroom

The Center for Service and Action strives to educate and form men and women with and for others, especially the disadvantaged and the oppressed. Students involved with CSA take initiative to make meaningful contributions as citizens within and beyond their communities. The opportunities that your gift will create are endless. Read more >>

Because of the possibilities

Private donations enabled LMU to grow to be the great university that we know today. It was the generosity and vision of our first donors that helped build the foundation for our campus, from the first buildings on the bluff to the new William H. Hannon Library. Read more >>

Because your gift promotes diversity

LMU is proud of the diverse student population we currently boast. Your gifts to The Fund for LMU ensures that talented students, regardless of their economic background, have access to an LMU education; while your gift in support of faculty preserves the promise of a top-quality education for our students. Read more >>

Because you're always an LMU Lion

No matter how much time has passed since you graduated…
No matter how much time has passed since you last visited…
One thing you can count on – your LMU connection will stay strong!
Read more >>

Click on the images above to see what has inspired others to give!

“There are many reasons for giving, but only one is your alma mater”

At LMU, we believe in honoring the past while embracing the future. As the campus changes and evolves, the core spirit of LMU never diminishes. In honor of the people and moments that have inspired us, we are launching “Reasons We Give” to capture the feelings and emotions that we all have toward our beloved alma mater.

Giving back to LMU is vital, as it offers current and future students the opportunity to be a part of the transformative LMU experience. No matter how much others give, YOU are the ONLY ONE who can fill your spot as a donor. Together with thousands of other gifts, your contribution creates vital resources for LMU, ensuring endless possibilities for academic, social and spiritual growth.

The reasons for giving are as diverse as our alumni and friends. What inspires you?
Tell us today and your reason could be featured!

Here are a few other reasons from our LMU family:

"Because I want to give back to the university that gave me my start, my values and most of my friends." - Hal Barlow '66

"Because the alternative is to be sending our undonated dollars to the IRS."
- Greg & Glenda Vanni P'12

"Think back to your experience at LMU and realize the number of people who made that experience possible. Now become one of them!"
- Brian Custer '03

LMU | LA - Loyola Marymount University