ATLANTA--The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., reported that the Archdiocese of Atlanta contributed nearly $75,000 last year to its annual collection benefiting the university’s students.

Contributions from the archdiocese and other U.S. dioceses last year totaled over $5 million.

“Your contribution has made it possible once again for The Catholic University of America to enhance the knowledge and faith of our students, especially those who will return to your archdiocese in pastoral or academic ministries,” said Father David O’Connell, CM, university president, in a letter to Archbishop John F. Donoghue.

Founded in 1887, The Catholic University of America is the nation’s only higher education institution established by the U.S. bishops. Father O’Connell said that the bishops who inspired the school’s foundation also initiated the national collection to show their commitment to its growth and influence as a center for the highest levels of Catholic intellectual activity.

“The proceeds of the collection continue to promote and foster that growth and are vital to what the university is able to accomplish, especially in the area of scholarship assistance,” he said.

“In aggregate, the national collection has the same spending power as the income from an endowment of $100 million,” Father O’Connell said. “The entire university community gratefully rejoices with me at the support that you and the people under your pastoral leadership regularly provide.”

The university is a founding member, and remains the only Catholic member, of the prestigious Association of American Universities.