A renewed focus on the College's
annual giving programs and a confidence in the national economy are factors in
a sharp rise in the Union Fund, according to officials in College Relations.
The year's Union Fund, formerly
known as the Annual Fund, hit the halfway mark well ahead of previous years
both in dollars raised and the number of donors.
About $1.9 million was raised at
the end of 2003, nearly 27 percent over the previous two years. There were
4,970 donors, up nearly 19 percent over the halfway mark of last year's fund.
There were 3,345 alumni donors, up
more than 20 percent over last year and 10 percent over this point in time of
the 2001-02 fund year. Alumni contributed over $1.1 million at the halfway
mark, up almost 22 percent from last year, and 27 percent over 2001-02.
“We're very excited about what
these numbers seem to say,” said Ray Brownell, director of annual giving. “Alumni,
parents and friends are feeling very good about Union
right now, and these mid-year figures reflect that sentiment.”
Brownell cited an increased
focus on ReUnion giving programs, more alumni volunteers
recruited to serve as class ambassadors, and more and better events to engage
alumni around the country.