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The College raises more than $16 million in total

The College raised more than $16 million in new gifts and commitments in 2008-09 – despite the recession – through continued leadership support and solid Annual Fund participation.

In total, 8,900 alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends supported the College. Many stretched to make the most substantial gifts they could, although some had to make smaller gifts than they wanted. The College is grateful for the support they were able to give, said President Leo. I. Higdon, Jr.

The Annual Fund achieved 42 percent participation and raised $4.5 million, a slight decline from last year but still the third-highest total in the history of the College. The Parents Fund reached $737,000, exceeding its goal, with 40 percent participation.

Several new commitments of $1 million or greater were received by the College despite the economy, although new gifts and commitments showed a decline from the previous year.

Much of the College's fundraising effort was focused on financial aid and the Annual Fund because of the critical support both provide for current-year operations. Five reunion classes – 1994, 1984, 1964, 1959 and 1954 – together brought in nearly $1 million in gifts and pledges for financial aid through the Annual Fund.

Higdon expects the difficult economy to continue through the 2009-10 fiscal year. Careful financial management – combined with strong support from alumni, parents and friends – positions the College to continue pursuing funding for its strategic priorities, he said.

For more about fundraising results and to see who made the College's success possible, visit the Annual Report of Giving at http://honorroll.conncoll.edu. The password is Honor09.



August 18, 2009