COLUMBIA — With Christmas right around the corner, some anonymous donors to the University of Missouri have apparently gotten into the holiday spirit.

The school’s athletic department announced Friday that it has received a pledge of $6.4 million to the Tiger Scholarship Fund over the next ten years, beginning in 2013. The donors have requested their names remain confidential.

“We are so thankful for this generous gift, and the difference it will make at Mizzou,” athletic director Mike Alden said in a statement. “This transformational commitment allows us to continue our growth and to be a leader in the Southeastern Conference and nationally. This gift allows us to enhance our facilities and amenities for fans and student-athletes alike, as well as support our scholarship efforts for our men and women.”

According to the release, senior director of development T.J. Leon had primary responsibility for solicitation of the gift.

“We’re grateful for this wonderful act of generosity,” Leon said in the statement. “The belief our donors have in Mizzou and our student-athletes is energizing. As we continue our transition into the SEC, facility improvements and scholarship endowments are crucial, and these donors would like to play an active role in us reaching our goals.”

The gift is just the latest the university has received during a year that has proven to be prosperous in regards to fundraising. In June, the university announced a $30 million gift from the Kansas City Sports Trust, with the money earmarked to help pay for $200 million in planned athletic facility upgrades over the next several years.