Donors contributed more than $17.2 million in gifts and commitments to the University of North Carolina Wilmington during the fiscal year 2016-17, according to an announcement Monday.

That figure includes the largest outright philanthropic commitment in the university's history, a $5 million ($1 million a year for five years) gift from former UNCW faculty member Yousry Sayed and his wife, Linda, a UNCW alumna, a news release said.

The contributions set a new record, coming from more than 10,000 donors and surpassing UNCW’s 2016 giving record of $14.9 million, according to the release.

“The generosity of our donors will help the university’s strategic vision move forward through the development of academic programming and applied learning opportunities like undergraduate research, study abroad and student internships,” said Chancellor Jose Sartarelli in the release. 

UNCW donors have the option to designate which colleges or programs receive their gifts. The release said that the provision recognizes that many people give because of personal connections, and "has helped encourage many alumni, who represent 39 percent of 2016-17 donors, to support the university." 

In total, the university received 16,803 gifts, with 87 percent of them for $250 or less. 

"UNCW faculty, staff, alumni, students, parents and friends also stepped up during March’s Give More in 24 challenge, which raised $238,569.40 from 1,374 donors," the release said.