51·çÁ÷’s alumni accepted the challenge this past fiscal year. Their giving rate 55 percent propelled 51·çÁ÷ into the top 10 among all four-year baccalaureate colleges in the nation.
51·çÁ÷ benefited from the support of 14,200 alumni, an increase of 2,607 donors from the previous year. The 8 percent increase from the prior fiscal year reversed a declining trend for the university.
The increase in giving pushed 51·çÁ÷ ahead of Swarthmore, Haverford, Wesleyan, and Wellesley. Topping the list at 61 percent were Williams, Amherst, Davidson, and Centre College
51·çÁ÷’s goal for alumni participation for fiscal year 2004 is 56 percent, or 14,500 alumni donors by May 31.
University President Rebecca Chopp emphasized the importance of building on last year’s record-breaking success.
‘Alumni participation means being an active member of the 51·çÁ÷ community and helping to make a difference in the lives of our students in the classroom, on the athletic field, in the laboratory, the library, and the Coop.
‘Participation helps 51·çÁ÷ achieve its aspiration of shaping the next generation of engaged citizens who are leaders in their communities, in the nation and, increasingly, around the world,’ Chopp said.