By Nick Wenzel
Contributing Writer
Emory University has announced that its endowment has reached a record high of $6.7 billion as of June 30, according to a Nov. 6 University press release.
The University made over $1 billion dollars on a 19.1 percent return on investment, which is 3.3 percent higher than the 15.8 percent national average, according to the National Association of College and University Business Officers. Last year, Emory's managed funds last reported an investment return of 11.3 percent in June 2013, according to a June 2013 University press release.
As of August 31, 2013, the endowment was valued at $5.8 billion, according to a November 2013 University press release.
Emory's endowment grew substantially over the last year due to strong investing decisions made by Emory's internal investment management team as well as external investment managers, according to Mary Cahill, vice president of investments and chief investment officer.
"Recent strong performance in equity and fixed income markets has been an important contributor to Emory's portfolio performance," Cahill wrote. "However, simply tracking market performance would not have been sufficient for Emory to generate a return of 19.1 [percent]."
Along with the $1 billion in investment gains, the University received roughly $60 million in donations last year, according to the press release.
However, $252 million was spent on academic programs, and the $6.7 billion endowment total represents the figure after deduction of the $252 million. The annual funds spent on academic programs remain rather constant as the University has a formula which is set by the Board of Trustees for determining how much will be spent annually according to Emory Investment Management's website.
Emory Investment Management, made up of 22 full time professionals and two student interns, is responsible for managing the endowment.
"The investment organization invests considerable time reviewing their respective research areas through conversations with investment managers, industry experts and other market participants," Cahill wrote in an email to the Wheel.
The group is greatly accountable for the positive results last year due to making informed investment decisions, according to Cahill.
Emory meticulously allocates funds to different external investment management firms that have expertise in one or more investment strategies, Cahill said.
Which group they invest with depends on the type of commodity Emory wishes to invest in. For example, Cahill explained, if Emory wishes to invest in real estate, they will find a group that has successfully invested in that field.
The impact of Emory Investment Management's decisions greatly affects the University as it determines how much the University is allowed to spend on academic programs.
Vice President and Deputy to the President Gary Hauk explained in an email to the Wheel that "most of the endowment is designated by donors for specific purposes ... but the portion that is not designated in this way is allocated by a process involving the deans and other administrators and determined finally by the Ways and Means Committee, which the provost chairs."
Emory University Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Claire Sterk touched on the subject as well.
"The resources will be allocated to the top academic priorities that will continue to advance the experience of the Emory students (as well as the quality of the students), the quality of the faculty and the infrastructure in support of the academic mission," Sterk wrote in an email to the Wheel.
Cahill wrote that she believes that the current portfolio's performance will provide Emory with continued excellence and "facilitate the University's future initiatives and goals."
– By Nick Wenzel, Contributing Writer
Emory Endowment Hits Record High $6.7 Billion
Emory University Administration Building. Photo by Jason Oh.
