CARBONDALE — SIU Carbondale officials say donors contributed more than $25.2 million last year to support the university’s students and programs, which is a 25 percent increase over the previous year.

These gifts support scholarships for SIU students, equipment for laboratories, library resources, position for outstanding faculty and staff and much more according to SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemango.

Jim Salmo, with the SIU Foundation, says more than $15 million of the total came in the form of cash and other gifts that can have immediate impact. Salmo says the balance includes pledges for the future. For example, many donors make a commitment to include SIU in their estate plans.

SIU is in the midst of a three-year, $75 million fundraising initiative called “Forever SIU: The Campaign for Students.” To date, the campaign has raised more than $60 million.