LAWRENCE (AP) -- University of Kansas officials hope big donors will continue to give large sums and honor their pledges to the university, although many have lost significant money in the economic downturn.

Dana Anderson, a university graduate and financial supporter, saw his net worth decline during the recession. Anderson is vice chairman for the Macerich Co., which owns 72 malls in 23 states. He has watched his stock holdings drop from more than $100 a share to less than $6 a share.

"These are certainly challenging times," Anderson said. "I made pledges toward athletics and the marching band and the libraries when my net worth was significantly different. And my income was significantly different. I think, hopefully, we will come back. Hopefully. These are tough times right now."

Anderson's donations paid for a large chunk of the construction of new facilities at Kansas. He pledged $12 million toward construction of the $33 million football complex next to Memorial Stadium, which includes practice fields, offices and a training center.