LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Private donations to the University of Wyoming have fallen significantly from the year before, but officials say giving remains at a high level.

UW received $52.7 million from private donors in fiscal year 2017, which ended June 30. In fiscal year 2016, the university received $63.1 million.

UW Foundation CEO Ben Blalock says 2016 was a really strong year that featured $15.5 million raised specifically for the Mick and Susie McMurry High Altitude Performance Center.

Blalock says this past year didn't really have a specific project to attract big donations.

Still, Blalock says collecting more than $50 million in 2017 actually increased UW's five-year average. 2017's private fundraising outperformed fiscal years 2015 and 2014.

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