Annual Fund Participation Rate Hits 39%; 'Not Without You' Goal Reached

July 11, 2008

July 11, 2008, Greencastle, Ind. - Alumni participation in DePauw University's Annual Fund reached 39% in the just-finished fiscal year, a two percentage point increase from the previous year and meeting a challenge issued in "Not Without You." When the campaign began in April, an additional 3,567 alumni donors were needed to reach the Annual Fund goal. With that goal now reached, DePauw's participation percentage has increased to more closely mirror its peer liberal arts institutions.

"The alumni giving rate is one of the statistics that is used to measure a college's national reputation, so this increase is something to celebrate," says Lisa Hollander, vice president for development and alumni relations. "As we told alumni when we launched the campaign, it's a goal that couldn't be reached 'without you,' and I'm thrilled that we've collectively risen to the challenge. DePauw's positioning among the nation's top liberal arts colleges is stronger today, and its students will benefit even more, because of the generous can-do spirit our alumni have demonstrated."

Alumni giving rates provide a measure of institutional quality for prospective students as well as corporations and foundations that consider supporting the University. Gifts of any amount count toward the DePauw's alumni participation rate.

"A major factor in the success of this drive was the fact that a record number of donors were alumni who have graduated from DePauw within the past ten years," adds Jason G. Petrovich '93, executive director of development. "Today's gifts to DePauw assure that the University experience will be even more robust for future generations of undergraduates, and the commitment of young graduates to this effort has been key."

Hollander notes, "Credit for this accomplishment as well as a banner year for the Annual Fund goes to the development and alumni relations staffs. Alumni volunteers also played a significant role in making this a success; in fact, all 55 members of the Alumni Board made calls on behalf of the campaign. It has been a team effort the whole way through."

You may visit the development office online or call, toll-free, at (800) 446-5298.

Back