UNC Chapel Hill brought in more than $271 million in private gifts in fiscal 2009, its second-largest take ever.

The only better year was fiscal 2008, when the university brought in $301 million as it closed out a $2.38 billion capital campaign.

UNC-CH officials were particularly pleased with 2009 donations given the weak economy.

"Our supporters have been tremendously generous," said Matt Kupec, the university's vice chancellor for university advancement. "Despite this being a down year for the economy, they've shown remarkable dedication to Carolina."

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