Spurred by a matching gift challenge from its board of regents, Wartburg College’s 2011-12 Annual Fund campaign concluded with a record $1,174,090.

The Wartburg College Board of Regents’ “Leading the Way Challenge” of a $250,000 match generated $363,611 in new and increased donations as the Annual Fund campaign broke the prior mark of $1,163,026 set in 2010-11.

The Annual Fund had 1,705 first-time donors and another 1,194 who increased their previous gifts. All told, 5,757 contributed to the campaign.

“The college is excited to have eclipsed our previous high for the Annual Fund,” said Jeff Beck, director of Alumni/Parents Relations and Annual Giving. “It shows the commitment of our alumni, parents and friends. It is a testament to their belief in the work of our faculty and staff as well as an investment in our wonderful students who are preparing to make the world a better place through lives of leadership and service.”