With the help of ticket priority contributions and a pair of big gifts, the University posted a record year in fundraising, bringing in $110 million amid a troubling economy.

“The only explanation I can give you is there was a lot of air miles and shoe leather,” University President Michael Adams told the Associated Press. “We think to have had our best year ever in this climate is a pretty strong statement of support by our constituencies.”

UGA raised $103.9 million last year, but two large gifts plus money raised by the Georgia athletic association put the University at at $110 million mark this year.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gave UGA a five-year $18.7 million grant for a study on schistosomiasis, while another donor gave $10 million toward the expansion to the Butts-Mehre Building. Ticket priority contributions and donations to the athletic association accounted for another $42.3 million of the $110 million total.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report