Alumni Earn 2007-2008 Annual Fund Volunteer Awards
Student Calling Program “Rings In” the Academic Year
The Student Calling Program, also known as “Connecting@Brown” (“the C@B”) kicked off the 2008-2009 academic year on September 14. Every year, a group of students picks up the phone and connects with nearly 30,000 members of the Brown community—alumni and alumnae, parents and grandparents, faculty, staff and friends—in an effort to bolster academic support for the University through the Annual Fund. This year a team of 60 student callers and six student managers aim to raise $1.85 million from 12,000 donors, or 42% of the people with whom they speak.
If conversation is an art form, Brown’s student callers are masters of their craft. Each night, the C@B, located in the basement of Maddock Alumni Center, buzzes with the sounds of wide-ranging discussions about life on College Hill. Callers tell animated stories of their coursework, professors, dorms, and favorite restaurants on Thayer Street. The resulting support comes not only in the form of valuable Annual Fund contributions, but also encouragement for the callers and appreciation for their hard work at Brown. “The kind words and advice we get from alumni, parents, and friends are invaluable,” said Courtney J. Smith ’10 from Norfolk, VA. “It is so wonderful to know that there is a great support system out there for us every time we pick up the phone.”
Donors also enjoy engaging in discussions with current students. Alumni get a chance to take fun walk down memory lane; parents gain insight about their own son’s or daughter’s experience by listening to another student’s thoughts about the quality of a Brown education. Many donors look forward to the added “personal touch” of a phone conversation. “I was particularly impressed by the fact that Katherine personalized her thank you letter to me by mentioning my daughter and my visit to Brown last year,” said one donor during the 2007-2008 fundraising year. Another donor added, “I always wait for ‘the call’ before I donate.”
Last year the C@B received 11,368 gifts and pledges totaling $1.76 million. In a landmark achievement, student caller Eliana Reyes ’09 of Lawrence, MA, raised $129,096 between October 10, 2007, and June 30, 2008. She shattered the previous record set during the 2006-2007 academic year. Even more impressive: last year was her first year as a student caller.
Equipped with a stellar level of commitment, talent, and love of Brown, the C@B is well-staffed and well-positioned for another exciting year. “I feel lucky to work with 60 diverse, enthusiastic student callers who all love Brown and want to connect with alumni in positive ways,” said student manager Rachel Nash ’09 from Lafayette Hill, PA.
September 22, 2008
2007-2008 Brown Annual Fund Raises Record $35.1 Million From 33,496 Donors
The Brown Annual Fund reached new heights in 2007-2008, thanks to the support of 33,496 alumni and alumnae, parents and grandparents, friends, faculty, staff, and students. This generous community of supporters contributed $35.1 million – a new record that allowed the Annual Fund to continue its mission of providing critical support to enhance the Brown educational experience.
These outstanding results were made possible by a number of exciting challenges that united all donors on behalf of Brown. The $500,000 Burke GOLD Participation Challenge, a $25,000 participation challenge for the Class of 2008, and the inaugural “Million Dollar Month” participation challenge were all phenomenal successes. Together these challenges offered a combined $1.525 million to help the Annual Fund reach its ambitious goals, while encouraging strong donor support throughout the University community.
The Parents Annual Fund continued to be the leader in the Ivy League in 2007-2008, raising $4.2 million from 6,761 donors. The University derives strength from the enthusiastic support of parents whose gifts underscore their belief in the power of a Brown education.
The GOLD classes (1998-2007) represent more than one-fifth of the University’s total alumni and contribute greatly to its success. In 2007-2008, these recent graduates responded enthusiastically to the Burke GOLD Participation Challenge, sponsored by Brown alumnus and parent, Jim Burke ’73 P’05 P’06 P’10. The challenge was met in its entirety by May 1—two months before the end of the fundraising year.
The Class of 2008 came forward in greater numbers than any graduating class before them and set a new senior Class Gift participation record. Spurred by a $25,000 challenge gift from an anonymous donor, the class attained an incredible 72% participation, shattering the Class of 2005’s previous record of 68% participation. The challenge funds, combined with contributions from members of the Senior class and a generous gift of $20,008 from President Simmons, provided more than $67,000 for the Brown Annual Fund.
Reunion alumni contribute nearly one-third of the Annual Fund’s dollars each year. The Classes of the 3’s and 8’s proved no exception, as they collectively raised $11.3 million for the Annual Fund, which is an all-time record. For the first time ever, six classes raised more than $1 million for the Brown Annual Fund, with two classes raising more than $2 million. The Class of 1983 had 69 members step forward as Brown Annual Fund Leaders, more than any other class has ever had.
The ranks of the 1764 Society – the Brown Annual Fund’s most loyal supporters – grew 13% to a record 11,137 members. This recognition society honors donors who make gifts to the Annual Fund each and every fiscal year at three membership levels: 5-9 consecutive years of giving; 10-24 consecutive years of giving; and 25 or more consecutive years of giving.
Brown is made stronger each year by individuals whose generosity sustains and enhances the living and learning environment on College Hill. The University is counting on our continued support to meet even loftier goals in the year ahead.
September 1, 2008
Tremendous Response to Challenge Secures $1 Million Gift
The sponsors of the Million Dollar Month Challenge set out to encourage 4,000 donors to make gifts to the Brown Annual Fund from April 25 through May 25, 2008. The response was tremendous: 5,012 donors stepped forward, earning the entire $1 million in challenge funds for Brown. The results represent a nearly 50% increase in donors over the same period last year. “We are very grateful to the anonymous reunion alumnus and members of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council who offered the Challenge,” said Tammie L. Ruda, Executive Director of the Brown Annual Fund, “and to all who responded so generously.”
To date, over 29,500 alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends have made gifts to the 2007-2008 Brown Annual Fund totaling $25.5 million. These preliminary results put the Annual Fund on pace to reach its goals of $35 million from 35,000 donors by June 30, the end of the fiscal year. With less than a month to go, Brown needs approximately 5,500 more donors to contribute an additional $9.5 million to the Annual Fund and provide much-needed resources to support Brown’s academic mission.
June 3, 2008
Brown Celebrates "1764 Society Month"
Million Dollar Month Challenge to Culminate at CommencementMillion Dollar Month Challenge to Culminate at CommencementMillion Dollar Month Challenge to Culminate at Commencem
President Ruth J. Simmons has declared May 2008 “1764 Society Month” on College Hill. The 1764 Society recognizes donors who support Brown with gifts to the Annual Fund each and every fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) in three categories: 5-9 years, 10-24 years, and 25 or more consecutive years of giving. These donors provide resources for the outstanding faculty and students who make a difference in our communities and throughout our world.
Million Dollar Month Challenge to Culminate at Commencement
There are currently 9,856 alumni, parents, and friends who are members of the 1764 Society. Brown Annual Fund Co-chairs Joan Wernig Sorensen ’72 P’06 P’06 and Ralph F. Rosenberg ’86 sent their good wishes to the 931 people who have given to the Annual Fund every year without fail for more than a quarter of a century and forwarded a proclamation to each of them signed by President Ruth J. Simmons. Student volunteers participated in 1764 Society Month by holding a thank-a-thon, calling members of the recognition society to express their gratitude for all that they do for Brown. For more information on the 1764 Society, click here.
April 27, 2008
Brown Annual Fund Gifts Support Need-Blind Financial Aid
When Sofia Bengoa ’08.5 began applying to colleges, the Miami native thought she would be limited to going to a school near her home. “I was a good student and my parents wanted me to have the same opportunities as other good students,” Sofia says. “But because of our financial situation, I had no real intention of leaving my hometown.” Nevertheless, Sofia’s high school gave her financial vouchers that allowed her to apply to Brown University. Sofia’s academic horizons were quickly broadened when she was accepted to Brown and received a generous financial aid package from the University. “On the day that I received my financial aid package, my mother cried,” she remembers. “If it weren't for Brown's need-blind admissions policy, I would not be studying here.”
Offering deserving students of all economic backgrounds the opportunity to attend Brown is a leading priority for the University—a commitment underscored by the fact that nearly half of Brown’s undergraduates receive need-based financial aid. Last year, $13.8 million of the almost $35 million that Brown Annual Fund donors contributed was used for financial aid support that allowed the University to continue admitting the students who are most likely to excel here, regardless of financial need.
In February 2008, financial aid at Brown received a tremendous boost when the Brown Corporation met to lay out a blueprint for Phase II of the Plan for Academic Enrichment. To ensure the Plan’s continued success, Brown will increase its undergraduate financial aid budget by more than 20 percent in 2008-2009, reaching $68.5 million. The following provisions will go into effect in the fall:
- Students from families with incomes of less than $100,000 will no longer have loans as part of their financial aid packages.
- The loan burden will be decreased for families with incomes of $100,000-$150,000.
- Most parents who earn less than $60,000 will not be required to make a financial contribution to their child’s Brown education.
These new policies will apply to current students in the classes of 2009-2011 who receive financial aid as well as next year’s entering class. This extraordinary expansion of financial aid supports the University’s dedication to attracting and retaining the most highly qualified and diverse student body—students who are just as passionate and enthusiastic about learning as Sofia.
Now a Brown senior, Sofia credits her undergraduate career to awakening a love of community health advocacy. She plans to pursue it as a career after graduation. The University’s impact on the Bengoa family has also extended beyond Sofia. “The generosity of donors has not only made it possible for me to attend Brown, it also encouraged my little sister Melissa to apply,” Sofia says. Last fall, Melissa joined her older sister on College Hill, as a member of the Class of 2011. “Financial aid has made it possible for my parents to achieve their dream of providing my sister and me with the chance to pursue a higher education at one of the finest institutions in the country,” she says.
At Brown, Sofia has taken advantage of numerous opportunities to exercise her creative skills both in and out of the classroom. A former competitive dancer, she has been a part of MEZCLA, Brown’s Latino performing arts troupe, and Brown Badmaash, a South Asian dance company. During her first year at the University, she taught dance to children at Providence public housing sites as part of the Community Outreach through the Performing Arts (COPA) program. Last year, she volunteered for a cause that is very near to her heart: teaching English to recent immigrants through the Olneyville ESOL Program. Thinking back to the early days of her college search and the many experiences she has had since, Sofia is certain that she made the right choice in coming to Brown. “Had I stayed at college closer to home, I would not have met so many students from a variety of different backgrounds that have opened my eyes to the world,” she says. “Most importantly, I would have not learned to embrace my culture in the way I have and grown into the confident Latina woman I have become today.”
March 6, 2008
Alumnus Challenges GOLD Classes: Set Participation Records in 2008
The spring semester is well underway at Brown, and while students face the challenges of exams, papers, and presentations, young alumni have been given a challenge of their own. Members of the GOLD classes (graduates of the last decade) have until May 1 to make a Brown Annual Fund gift that will have triple the impact for their alma mater, thanks to the newly-announced Burke GOLD Participation Challenge.
In January, Brown alumnus, parent, and Annual Fund Leadership Council member James J. Burke, Jr. ’73 P’05 P’06 P’10 committed $500,000 in challenge money in the hopes of increasing Annual Fund participation among Brown’s newest graduates (members of the Classes of 1998-2007) and setting the stage for their continued annual giving. Under the terms of the challenge, a 2:1 match will be provided for gifts of any size through May 1 or until the funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first.
“It is my hope that this challenge will help young alumni see the importance of giving to Brown’s Annual Fund and the impact they can have on the University’s success,” says Jim. “By continuing the tradition of GOLD challenges, I’m encouraging these recent graduates to continue their support. I’d like to see the GOLD classes achieve new participation records this year.”
The number of young alumni donors to the Brown Annual Fund has increased 85% since 2001-2002, thanks in large part to annual challenges that continue to raise the bar for GOLD participation.
February 7, 2008
“Best Class Ever” Kicks Off the “Best Gift Ever”
Over 400 seniors gathered on Friday, November 9, to kick off the 2008 Senior Gift Campaign. After posing for the traditional class photo on the steps of Faunce House, class members made their way to Sayles Hall, where Co-Chairs Gordy Pels ’08 and Brittany Locke ’08 welcomed them. Pels ’08 opened by saying “although we are not graduating for another six months, it is not too early to start celebrating!” The Kick-Off event was the perfect way to begin.
Michael Goldberger, Director of Brown Athletics, repeated history by addressing the class as he did at the opening Convocation three years earlier when he served as Brown’s Director of Admissions. Members of the class were happy to revisit this key moment that began their time at Brown. Goldberger told the class that they continue to be the “Best Class Ever,” and he encouraged them to leave Brown with this reputation intact by participating in the Senior Class Gift Campaign. Both Goldberger and Locke ’08 reminded the Class of 2008 of how special the Brown undergraduate experience is and urged seniors to give so that other students can have the same experience. “Believe it or not, our tuition would actually be much higher were it not for alumni giving,” Locke’08 explained,” and some of your friends here today may not even have been able to come to Brown without the financial aid funded by alumni contributions.”
The Class’ goal is 70% participation, which would break the record of 68% held by the Class of 2005. The Senior Gift Campaign ends June 30, 2008, but the committee is pushing to reach the participation goal by Commencement.
2006-2007 Brown Annual Fund Raises $34.6 Million From 34,316 Donors
The Brown Annual Fund marked a year of historic firsts in 2006-2007, thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents and grandparents, students, faculty and staff, and friends. A record 34,316 donors (a 6-percent increase over 2005-2006) contributed $34,625,529, exceeding the $31.5 million goal and surpassing the previous year’s total by $3.9 million.
These outstanding results were made possible by three challenge gifts that galvanized the entire donor community. The Brown Corporation’s $1.5 million “Rally for the Record” challenge, the $1 million Chancellor’s Leadership Challenge, and the $500,000 GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Participation Challenge offered a combined $3 million to help the Annual Fund reach incredible new heights. These challenges were successful in bolstering strong donor support at every level.
The Parents Annual Fund continued to be the leader in the Ivy League in 2006-2007, raising $4.8 million (a 15-percent increase over the previous year) from 7,247 donors (an 18-percent increase). These parents of students and alumni did not themselves attend Brown, but their incredible generosity each year demonstrates that they hold the University every bit as close to their hearts.
The GOLD classes (1997-2006), which represent more than one-fifth of the University’s total alumni, came forward in greater number than ever before. Young alumni increased their giving to the Annual Fund by an amazing 31%, and met the GOLD Participation Challenge in its entirety by May 1—two months before the end of the fundraising year.
Reunion alumni typically contribute one-third of the Annual Fund dollars given each year. The Classes of the 2’s and 7’s proved no exception, as they collectively donated $10.3 million, a double-digit increase over the numbers posted by the 1’s and 6’s. Seven classes set new Brown Annual Fund giving records, and one class – 1982 – became Brown’s first class to cross the $3 million mark, raising an extraordinary $3.3 million for the Annual Fund.
Graduate alumni set two new giving records during the 2006-2007 fundraising year. The number of graduate alumni donors increased by 5% (more than 2,300 individuals). Collectively, these masters and doctoral alumni contributed $523,746 to the Annual Fund: 9% more than the previous year.
The ranks of The 1764 Society, now in its third year, grew by an incredible 18%. This recognition society honors those donors who loyally support the Annual Fund for 5 or more consecutive fiscal years. Its continued growth is driving increases in participation across the Brown Annual Fund.
These results are a fitting testament to our community’s belief in Brown and its future. The University is made stronger each year by our continued support. In 2007-2008, the Brown Annual Fund’s goals are to raise $35 million from 35,000 donors.
A Warm Welcome to New Brown Annual Fund Co-Chairs
The Brown Annual Fund kicked off fiscal year 2007-2008 by welcoming new co-chairs Joan Wernig Sorensen ’72 P’06 ’06 and Ralph Rosenberg ’86. The pair, no strangers to service to their alma mater, bring a variety of experiences in business, fundraising, and higher education to their new roles.
Joan has had an extensive career in nonprofit fundraising, and educational advancement in particular. Most recently, she served as director of development and public relations at Interfaith Health Care Ministries at Rhode Island Hospital. She has also been the director of alumni and parent relations at Moses Brown School, director of alumni relations at Bryant University, and associate director of alumni relations at Brown. Her current service to Brown includes work as a trustee of the University, a Rhode Island area vice chair for the Campaign for Academic Enrichment, and a member of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council. In addition, she has served on the Women’s Leadership Council and as co-chair of her class’s Reunion Gift Committee for their 25th, 30th, and 35th reunions. Joan’s commitment to volunteerism has drawn numerous accolades, including the prestigious H. Anthony Ittleson ’60 Award.
Joan’s love of Brown is shared by many of her family members. In addition to her husband, Paul Sorensen ’71 Sc.M.’75 Ph.D.’77 P’06’06, and their two children, Alice ’06 and Christian ’06, Joan has three sisters and a brother-in-law who graduated from Brown. “Since I graduated, I have always supported Brown as a volunteer and as a consistent contributor to the Annual Fund,” says Joan. “Ralph and I look forward to taking the Annual Fund to the next level.”
Ralph’s career in finance includes sixteen years with Goldman Sachs, where most recently he was the co-founder and co-head of their Global Special Situations Group. Currently he is the founder and managing partner of R6 Capital Management, an investment firm located in New York. Like Joan, Ralph sits on numerous councils and committees at Brown. He is a member of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council and a New York City vice chair for the Campaign for Academic Enrichment, and he has been a very active fundraising volunteer for his class, serving as a Reunion Gift Committee co-chair for their record-breaking 15th and 20th reunions. He is also a new trustee of the Brown Corporation.
Ralph holds an M.B.A. from Stanford and sits on the Stanford Business School Trust. He is also an Honorary Trustee at the Francis W. Parker School. His other philanthropic interests include the New York University Child Study Center, the Whitney Museum of Art, and the Global Fund for Children. “Joan and I are excited to take on the challenge of leading the Annual Fund,” says Ralph. “Everyone in the Brown community has an obligation to help the University maintain its academic leadership. We look forward to being a part of it.”
As Brown welcomes Joan and Ralph to their new roles, we also have to say goodbye and thanks to outgoing Brown Annual Fund Chair Thomas Berry ’69 P’92 ’96. Tom stepped up to the plate as Annual Fund chair in July 2004, succeeding Jerome Vascellaro ’74 P’07. His tenure as chair has been nothing short of historic, as the Annual Fund reached outstanding new heights in just three short years. During fiscal year 2004-2005, 30,230 donors contributed a total of $25 million. The 2006-2007 Annual Fund raised $34.6 million from 34,316 donors, representing an incredible 14% increase in donors and a 38% increase in dollars under Tom’s leadership. “I have been very proud of being the Annual Fund chair these last three years, particularly because of the great support received during my tenure from the administration, faculty, Corporation, alumni, students, parents, and other friends of the Brown community,” says Tom. “My success as chair in reaching new records for the Annual Fund is really their collective success in caring so much and working so hard for Brown.” Tom’s ties to Brown will remain as strong as ever; he will continue his efforts as a founding member of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council, a vice chair for Boldly Brown: Campaign for Academic Enrichment, and a current member of the Brown Corporation.
Graduates of the Last Decade Meet the GOLD Challenge
In a stunning show of support for Brown, graduates of the last decade (also known as the University’s GOLD alumni) have earned the $500,000 GOLD Challenge—with more than a month still remaining in Brown’s fiscal year. The challenge was issued less than five months ago by an anonymous parent couple who did not themselves attend Brown. It allowed young alumni and members of this year’s senior class to triple the amount of their gifts to Brown, as contributions made between January 1 and April 30 were matched 2:1. Many recent graduates saw this as a great incentive to step up their usual levels of support and have a greater impact on Brown than ever before.
“The GOLD Challenge was really inspiring, as I was able to multiply what I could normally give to Brown,” says Tilli Dias ’05. “It also made the process of giving more fun—giving three times what I could afford on my own was really exciting!”
In addition to the funds it raised for Brown, the GOLD Challenge stimulated a new level of participation among the University’s most recent graduates. “When the young donor community backs the Annual Fund so enthusiastically, we make a strong statement of what Brown means to us and our belief in where it is headed,” says Tilli.
The GOLD Challenge may be over, but all donors can still help Brown earn the Corporation’s $1.5 million “Rally for the Record” challenge. The challenge will be met when 34,000 individual donors step forward and make gifts at any level to the 2006-2007 Brown Annual Fund. This bold participation goal marks a 5-percent increase over 2005-2006 results – and a new all-time record. As of May 14, the Annual Fund was 81% toward goal with 27,429 donors: nearly nine percent ahead of last year's donor total at the same time.
Class of 1982 Sets New 25th Reunion Record
April 19 was a landmark day for the Class of 1982. History was made, along with a bold declaration of support for the University, when the class surpassed the previous Brown Annual Fund 25th Reunion cash giving record of $2,001,821 set just last year by the Class of 1981. A winning combination of leadership, energy, a sense of community, and a strong dose of competitive juices is propelling the class to its ultimate goal of raising $2.5 million in Annual Fund gifts. The 25th Reunion Gift Committee is comprised of 25 members, including 18 first-time members. The group has benefited greatly from the fresh perspectives and expanded network of Brown alumni and friends that these new committee members bring. The class’ leaders provide more than individual support for their alma mater; they work very successfully as a team. Many have been close friends since their undergraduate days, a cohesion that has produced incredible results for Brown. And, like any team, this group enjoys some good-natured competition with its rivals. Class leaders have monitored the progress of 25th Reunion classes at peer institutions such as Dartmouth: a strategy that kept them on a forward charge to this new high-water mark.
“This is a major milestone year for our class. It is hard to believe that we left College Hill a quarter-century ago!” says 25th Reunion Gift Committee Co-Chair Jed McCarthy '82. “Coming back to campus will be even more special because of our class gift, and there are still a couple of weeks left to accomplish even more. I hope that our contribution to today’s Brown students inspires other Reunion classes to drive toward record-breaking results.”
In early May, 497 members of the Class of 1982 had already made gifts to Brown, and twelve members of the class had stepped forward with six-figure donations in honor of their 25th Reunion. Several other Reunion classes are well on their way to breaking fundraising records. Click herehere to visit the Reunion giving web site to check each class’ progress.
GOLD Participation Challenge: A "Match" Sparking Young Alumni Participation
There is less than a month to go for young alumni to triple the impact of their Brown Annual Fund gifts. April 30 is the deadline to take advantage of a 2:1 match issued by an anonymous parent couple. Since its kickoff in January, the GOLD Participation Challenge has encouraged a new level of participation among members of the Classes of 1997-2006 and this year’s senior class. As of March 31, $249,726 (nearly half of the $500,000 in challenge money) had been earned.
GOLD classes represent more than 22 percent of all Brown alumni. As such, they play a critical role in setting Brown’s alumni participation rate. The Class of 2002 is leading the way with 22% of the class already having donated to the Annual Fund. One in five members of the Class of 2004 have also stepped forward to help earn the challenge.
“As recent graduates, we may not all be able to make large gifts, but if everyone made a gift of any size, it would make a big difference,” says Laura Almeida ’06. “Older alumni are stepping up and leading the way; we must follow their example and make our contributions too!”
GOLD alumni of the college and the graduate school who give to the Annual Fund after April 30 may still qualify for the GOLD Challenge, but at a reduced 1:1 match rate. The challenge will run until June 30 or the funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first. The 2:1 match is available to seniors until Commencement on May 27.
Class of 2007 Aims to Make History With Senior Class Gift
Sayles Hall was the setting when members of the Class of 2007 gathered to kick off their Senior Class Gift on March 7. President Ruth J. Simmons was on hand to talk to this year’s graduating class, which is among the first to benefit directly from the Campaign for Academic Enrichment.
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After gathering for the traditional class photo, the forty members of the Senior Class Gift Committee took to the stage. Co-Chairs Neil Hamel '07 and Jessica Kondrick '07 addressed their classmates and urged them to put the Class of 2007 into the record books by meeting their goal of 70% participation.
Neil and Jessica each shared their own reasons for making their first gifts to Brown. "The past 4 years at Brown have been some of the best years of my life,” explained Neil. “I know that the experiences I’ve had would not have happened without the generosity of Brown Annual Fund donors, and I wanted to step forward and begin giving future students the same opportunities as I've had."
Jessica described the Senior Class Gift as "a unique opportunity to give back to the institution which has given us so much over the past four years.” She continued, “Financial aid afforded me my time here, my first-year seminar was a great experience, and I’ve really enjoyed participating in SPEC (the Special Events Committee) for the past four years. Giving back to the Senior Gift campaign was the least that I could do."
Neil and Jessica then welcomed President Ruth J. Simmons to the stage, honoring her as “the woman who helped make our time at Brown the best that it could be.” After an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd, President Simmons commented that she was impressed with the number of Senior Gift Committee members who lined the back of the stage. “I think this is the largest Senior committee I have ever seen up here,” she remarked. “I am encouraged and happy to see that there are already a good number of you who recognize the importance of the Annual Fund and of starting the tradition of giving back to Brown in the years to come.”
President Simmons then went on to speak about the impact that the Senior Class Gift has on the University. She reminded the class that they have witnessed many changes on College Hill over their four years and have benefited from the generosity of past students, parents, and friends. She encouraged them to step forward to help make the Campaign for Academic Enrichment a success. President Simmons concluded her remarks by making a surprise announcement; she decided to increase her contribution to the Senior Class Gift from the usual “class year” gift (i.e., $2,007) to a breathtaking $20,007! Amid cheers and applause from the audience, she told the Class of 2007 that they now have the opportunity to present the largest Senior Class Gift in Brown’s history and encouraged them to join her in making a meaningful gift.
Just three days after the kick-off event, the Class of 2007 has reached 8% participation and raised more than $3,000. In addition to sending a strong message about how much they have valued their Brown experiences, seniors who make their Brown Annual Fund gifts on or before May 27 will help the University earn $2 million from two challenges: the Brown Corporation’s “Rally for the Record” challenge and the GOLD Participation Challenge.
Brown Annual Fund Donors "Rally for Record"
At a "Boldly Brown" Campaign event held in New York City in December 2006, Campaign Co-Chair Matt Mallow '64 P'02 announced the $1.5 million “Rally for the Record” challenge. Members of the Brown Corporation have issued this challenge in honor of Chancellor Steve Robert ’62 P’91 and in recognition of the Brown Annual Fund’s record-setting participation goal for fiscal year 2007.
The “Rally for the Record” challenge aims to motivate alumni, parents, students, and friends to show their support of Brown in greater numbers than ever before. The challenge will be met when 34,000 individual donors step forward and make a gift at any level to the 2006-2007 Brown Annual Fund. This bold participation goal marks a 5-percent increase over 2005-2006 results – and a new all-time record.
In late January, the Brown Annual Fund was halfway to its donor goal and 40% of the way toward its dollar goal. The Annual Fund has grown significantly over the past six years, from 19,442 donors giving $15 million in fiscal year 2001 to 32,295 donors giving $30.7 million in fiscal year 2006. “Brown’s incredible growth in recent years is directly related to the growth of its community of supporters,” says Chair Tom Berry '69 P'92 P'96. “They are at the heart of the University’s successes.”
Gifts and pledge payments must be made by June 30, 2007 to count toward the challenge goal.
Growth in Annual Fund Supporters: Fiscal Years 2001-2006
Graduates of the Last Decade Go for the GOLD Challenge
Graduates of the Last Decade (also known as “GOLD” alumni) and the Class of 2007 have an opportunity to triple the impact of their gifts to Brown this spring by taking part in the 2007 GOLD Participation Challenge.
President Simmons was approached by an anonymous couple who asked how they could best help her achieve the University’s goals this year. The President suggested that they provide matching funds to encourage Brown’s most recent graduates to come together once again in support of the Brown Annual Fund. Out of this generous offer, the 2007 GOLD Participation Challenge was born.
Under the terms of the GOLD Challenge, Graduates of the Last Decade will have their gifts matched 2:1 when they contribute between January 1 and April 30, 2007. The Class of 2007 can also take advantage of this challenge by contributing to their Senior Class Gift anytime before graduation. “The GOLD Challenge provides an incredible opportunity for seniors to make a significant contribution to the Annual Fund no matter the size of their gift,” says Senior Gift Committee Co-Chair Jessica Kondrick ’07. “The 2:1 match is a powerful incentive for us to be as generous as possible. We're determined to put the Class of 2007 in the record books with a 70% participation rate!”
$500,000 - GOLD Challenge (Graduates of the Last Decade (1997-2006) and the Class of 2007 are eligible)
2:1 match for undergraduate and graduate alumni gifts received by 4/30
2:1 match for all senior class gifts received by Commencement
1:1 match through 6/30 or until the funds are exhausted for both groups
Students Give Thanks to Donors
On December 2, 2006, Brown’s Student Campaign Committee took to the phones to offer Annual Fund donors a simple – and personal – thank-you. Even as papers were due and final exams were looming, eighteen students spent their Saturday taking part in a Thank-a-Thon. Organizers Monica Althoff ’09 and Danielle Peretore ’09, along with their fellow Campaign Committee volunteers, called 1,267 alumni, parents, and friends to say “thank you” for their gifts to the Annual Fund and to “Boldly Brown.”
“The Student Campaign Committee plays an important role in the Campaign for Academic Enrichment. Its main goals are to keep students informed and involved with the Campaign,” said Johanna Corcoran, Development’s Assistant Director for Student Programs. “This Thank-a-Thon was one way to do that. It was a great way for students to get to know some of the donors making their Brown experiences possible and for donors to hear directly from the people benefiting from their generosity.”
During the four-and-a-half hour Thank-a-Thon, students spoke with 419 recent donors. Many of the calls blossomed into long conversations about Brown, as callers talked to donors about the improvements that have already occurred as a result of their support of the Plan for Academic Enrichment. Alumni enjoyed the chance to speak one-on-one with a current Brown student.
“Feedback from everyone involved was very positive,” Corcoran said. “One of our donors was so thrilled to receive a call from a Brown student that she said it made her day!”
Callers also enjoyed meeting with Brown Corporation Member Joan Sorensen ’72 P’06 ’06, a member of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council and one of the Regional Campaign Vice-Chairs of the Rhode Island Boldly Brown Campaign. An alumna and parent of twins who are also Brown alumni, she spoke about how the Campaign marks an exciting time for Brown and underscored the value of student involvement in the Campaign’s success.
“The Student Campaign Committee plans to hold at least two Thank-a-Thons a year from now on,” said Rebecca Zuck, Program Assistant (the first student Thank-a-Thon took place in May 2006). “Talking with current students is a great way for Campaign donors to hear firsthand how their gifts are making a real difference.”
Neil Donavan ’51 and Jon Rozoff ’85 Awarded H. Anthony Ittleson ’60 Cup
They graduated from Brown during very different eras: the early 1950’s and the mid-1980’s. But while Neil Donavan ’51 and Jon Rozoff ’85 may not have been classmates, they share a common commitment to Brown University through enthusiastic leadership and support of the Annual Fund.
Neil Donavan’s decades-long dedication to Brown includes his current roles as vice-chair of the Boldly Brown Campaign for Academic Enrichment in Southern California, and a member of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council. He has been at the helm of each of his class’ last three Reunions. He co-chaired his 45th Reunion Gift Committee in 1996 and chaired his 50th and 55th Reunions, steering the Class of 1951 through two record-breaking Reunions that raised the bar for all future classes. Neil extended his generous support of Brown in 1990 with the creation of the Donavan Family Scholarship.
In addition to his fundraising efforts, Neil has enjoyed serving as a Brown Alumni Schools Committee (BASC) volunteer for more than 25 years, interviewing prospective Brown students.
Maintaining a goal-oriented approach to annual giving that emphasizes the establishment of new benchmarks is a formidable challenge, but Neil makes it appear effortless, through a hearty dose of energy, creative spirit, and good humor. You may have seen his trademark signs imploring graduates and their loved ones to “Think Critically” and “Never Miss an Annual Fund” as you marched down College Hill on Commencement Day.
Very few class leaders can attest to breaking four fundraising records in a single Reunion year, but Jon Rozoff accomplished this feat in 2005. Jon co-chaired his 20th Reunion Gift Committee and in the process, the Class of 1985 became the first 20th Reunion class to raise over $1 million for the Brown Annual Fund, while also setting a new record for its own participation at 48%. Additionally, Jon helped set a new record for the number of leadership gifts given by 20th Reunion alumni and raised his class’ comprehensive giving record to more than $3.7 million.
Jon understands the need to maintain philanthropic momentum and class support in between Reunion years. He has developed a strategic model for a five-year Reunion cycle that combines fundraising, events, activities and volunteer management – a plan that has been adopted by other classes approaching the 25th Reunion. Jon’s efforts are not limited to the Class of 1985. He also mentors younger class leaders, most recently working with the Class of 1997 helping them gear up for their 10th Reunion. A passionate volunteer, Jon is also a member of the New York committee of the Boldly Brown campaign, and has been a BASC interviewer for more than 20 years.
“Simply being mentioned in the same sentence as Tony (Ittleson) and Neil (Donavan) feels like an accomplishment,” says Jon, who is also a member of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council. “Tony's leadership and commitment and Neil's enthusiasm inspire me. I hope that in the coming years I can prove deserving of such recognition.”
Brown congratulates Jon and Neil – two steadfast friends and invaluable supporters – as worthy recipients of this year’s Ittleson Cup Award.
| H. Anthony Ittleson ’60 Award Past Winners | |
| 2005 | Joan Wernig Sorensen ’72 P’06 ’06 |
| 2004 | Wendy E. Dietze ’79 Richard A. Friedman ’79 P’08 Ruthanne Schwartz Fuller ’79 |
| 2003 | Richard C. Dresdale ’78 Habib Y. Gorgi ’78 Samuel M. Mencoff ’78 |
| 2002 | Rosalind and Roy Neff P’02 ’05 Brooke and Daniel Neidich P’05 ’07 ’10 |
| 2001 | Nancy R. Kail ’84 James D. Kallman ’84 |
| 2000 | Stephen R. Ehrlich ’55 P’85 |
| 1999 | Stephen A. Goldberger ’64 P’99 Lawrence A. Rand ’64 |
| 1998 | Bernard and Rae Cherry P’97 ’01 |
| 1997 | Chelsey Carrier Remington ’61 |
| 1996 | Timothy C. Forbes ’76 |
| 1995 | H. Cushman Anthony ’26 Alexandra E. Kairis ’95 |
| 1994 | Jerome C. Vascellaro ’74 |
| 1993 | Daniel M. Cain ’68 Richard S. Landau ’68 |
| 1992 | Joseph L. Dowling, Jr. ’47 |
| 1991 | Patricia S. Huntington P’91 David F. Remington ’61 |
| 1990 | John G. Poole ’65 |
Student Raises $100,000 for Academic Enrichment
In an achievement that made Student Calling Program history, Neil Hamel ’07 single-handedly surpassed the $100,000 mark in dollars raised. “Personally, this was a huge accomplishment for me,” Neil said. “I have benefited directly from financial aid at Brown, so to reach this milestone, and at the same time really impact the university, makes me feel great!”
Neil is one of 70 students that made up the dedicated team of student callers, managers, and support staff who raised a total of $1.8 million for Brown in 2005-2006, $1.7 million of which was for the Brown Annual Fund. Over the course of the academic year, the students spoke with nearly 28,000 members of the Brown community; over half of these conversations ended with the individual making a gift.
A notable trend is the rise in the number of people choosing to make their gift to Brown via credit card. “More and more people are discovering how quick and convenient it is to make a donation to Brown with their credit card,” said Rebecca Zuck, Program Assistant. “Our student callers walk donors through the process – all it takes is two minutes – and then the gift can be put to work at Brown almost immediately.”
The students will begin making calls on behalf of the 2006-2007 Brown Annual Fund on September 17.
To learn more about the Student Calling Program, click here.
New Records: Brown Annual Fund Raises $30.7 million from 32,295 Donors
The Brown community contributed an astounding $30,746,888 to the 2005-2006 Brown Annual Fund, exceeding the $27 million goal and reaching an all-time high for the University. The total is a 23 percent increase ($5.7 million) over the previous year. A record-setting 32,295 donors helped to achieve this success, an increase of 7 percent (2,065 donors) over the previous year.
This incredible growth was spurred by three challenge gifts from members of the Brown Corporation.
- The $1.5 million Participation Challenge encouraged all members of the Brown community to support the Annual Fund. This challenge inspired 7 percent growth in the number of donors and led to a new University record.
- The Brown Annual Fund Leaders Challenge offered a total of $1 million to encourage Annual Fund gifts of $10,000-$24,999 and $25,000 or more. Both goals were exceeded as 708 Brown Annual Fund Leaders stepped forward, the largest number to date. Their contributions reached $21.9 million setting another Annual Fund record.
- The $1 million GOLD Challenge matched gifts from graduates of the last decade (classes of 1996-2005) as well as the Class of 2006. Gifts received prior to December 31 were matched at a rate of 3:1; subsequent gifts were matched 2:1 until the challenge funds were exhausted.
Members of the GOLD classes (1996-2006) led the growth in number of donors, reporting an 18 percent increase over the previous year. The Class of 2001 saw the largest increase (64%) and set a new record for participation in the 5th Reunion gift, surpassing the one established by the Class of 1986 fifteen years ago. A record number of graduating seniors (965 members of the class) contributed to the Senior Class Gift.
Reunion alumni donated $9.3 million, 30 percent of the Annual Fund’s overall total. For the first time, the Brown Annual Fund received class gifts in excess of $2 million. The 25th Reunion gift totaled $2,001,821, and the 30th Reunion gift reached $2,500,627. Four other classes broke existing Reunion gift records—1946, 1951, 1971, and 1986.
The Parents Annual Fund solidified its position as a national leader as gifts from Brown parents increased by 25 percent to a new record of $4.2 million. The number of parent donors grew to just over 6,100, a 5 percent increase over the previous year.
These outstanding results demonstrate the strong commitment that alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends have to Brown. The University is grateful for their generous support.
Recent Graduates Meet the GOLD Challenge
The first of three Annual Fund challenge gifts offered by members of the Brown Corporation has been earned. The GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Challenge provided an added incentive for Brown’s most recent graduates and this year’s senior class to participate in the Brown Annual Fund. Alumni gifts were matched 3:1 if received before January 1, senior gifts were matched 3:1 until Commencement, and gifts from both groups were matched 2:1 after these deadlines. The challengers offered a total of $1 million in matching funds which have now been fully expended.
Alumni response to the GOLD Challenge has been very strong. With the Class of 2001 leading the way with 36.5% participation, the number of donors to date from the ten most recent undergraduate classes has already surpassed last year’s final total. Senior Class Gift participation has already reached 62% with two weeks remaining in the fundraising year.
The Brown Annual Fund is still actively seeking the help of members of the GOLD classes as well as all other alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends to earn a second Corporation-sponsored challenge. The $1.5 million Participation Challenge will be earned when 32,650 donors contribute to the 2005-2006 Brown Annual Fund. Gifts from 3,941 more donors must be received by June 30 in order to bring these much-needed resources to the University.
Class of 2006 Seeks Record Brown Annual Fund Participation
Over 650 members of the Class of 2006 gathered on May 4th at Alumnae Hall to celebrate the launch of the Senior Class Gift and learn more from President Ruth J. Simmons about Boldly Brown: Campaign for Academic Enrichment.
Co-Chairs Sara Cunningham '06 and Craig Fountain '06 addressed their classmates first, stressing the importance of reaching the 70 percent Brown Annual Fund participation goal set by the Class of 2006.
"I gave to the Brown Annual Fund because I want to begin my own tradition of giving," said Sara Cunningham '06. "It is because of past gifts that I was able to attend Brown. Encouraging my classmates to make a tradition of giving ensures that the Brown experience remains strong, vibrant, and engaging."
"I feel that it is my duty and the duty of every graduate of Brown to, in some way, give back to Brown as a sign of gratitude for the opportunities that this University provides to its students," said Craig Fountain '06. "The easiest and one of the most rewarding ways to do this is by donating to the Brown Annual Fund. I feel very privileged to have Brown University on my resume and to have spent four years with amazing classmates and I will give money to the Annual Fund every year."
President Simmons joined the graduating seniors for a class photo, then addressed the enthusiastic crowd. "No one understands better than the Class of 2006 the benefits of Academic Enrichment, because you have seen the results first-hand during your undergraduate careers," she said. "You have witnessed growth in our faculty; expansion of course choices and curricular options; increases in financial aid; progress in matters of diversity; improvements in campus life and in campus facilities, from classrooms and laboratories to spaces for study and athletics."
She spoke about the well-attended Boldly Brown regional launch events and told the Class of 2006 what is at stake with the Campaign for Academic Enrichment: "Remember what depends on the success of Boldly Brown. The dreams of thousands of gifted young men and women across the country and around the world will be fulfilled on this campus in the years ahead – if our campaign is successful, if our Annual Fund revenues continue to rise. Your gifts, this year and every year, will contribute directly to bringing those educational, artistic, scientific, and personal dreams to life."
As of May 9th, the Class of 2006 Senior Class Gift is at 45% participation. Seniors are urged to make their gifts to the Brown Annual Fund prior to Commencement to help earn two challenges put forward by the Brown Corporation – the Participation Challenge and the GOLD Challenge.
Every Donor Makes an Impact
In its quest to reach its 2005-2006 goal of $27 million dollars raised, the Brown Annual Fund is also driving toward another important objective: involving as many individual donors as possible in the effort.
The Brown Corporation sought to aid this endeavor when they offered $1.5 million in challenge funds to stimulate increased participation in the Annual Fund. The entire amount will be earned when the number of individual donors surpasses last year's total by 8% or 2,420 donors. To help earn the challenge, gifts must be received by June 30, 2006.
The value of participation exceeds the amount of each individual's contribution. When donors join together through the Annual Fund, they have a significant collective impact. For example, last year 120 donors each contributed $25 and funded an Undergraduate Teaching and Research Assistantship (UTRA); 25 gifts of $100 supported an anthropology graduate student's summer research; 74 donors each contributed $250 and provided scholarship support for a graduating senior; and 92 donors of $1,000 each paid the salary of an assistant professor.
In addition, Annual Fund gifts help Brown secure grants from corporations and foundations, which look to see that those who know an institution best are willing to commit their own resources to it. Participation is widely recognized as a signal of strong community support for the university's academic mission and, as such, is also a factor in determining Brown's ranking among its peer institutions. Thanks to the generosity of students, alumni, parents, and friends, the Annual Fund is currently 63% of the way toward its participation goal. And an incredible 45% of that total was raised by the Brown Annual Fund student callers, who recently met with President Ruth J. Simmons to exchange stories about Brown's incredible supporters, fundraising for the University, and the future of the campaign (see story below).
President Simmons Visits the Student Calling Center
On February 27, President Ruth J. Simmons visited with Brown’s student callers in Maddock Alumni Center. She thanked them for the important role that they play in reaching out to alumni, parents, and friends on behalf of the University and garnering support for the Plan for Academic Enrichment. She also congratulated them on having reached the $1 million mark in gifts and pledges to the University just two weeks earlier.
After her remarks, the student callers had the opportunity to ask questions. Marc Donohue ’07 asked what changes we can expect to see in the University-College model in the coming years, particularly in light of the focus on strengthening the Graduate School. President Simmons reaffirmed Brown’s commitment to the University-College model and explained that the decision to strengthen the Graduate School grew out of that commitment. “This is not a question of ‘either/or,’” she emphasized. “To raise the University to new levels of excellence, we need the best undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty.”
Students also had the chance to share some of their phone experiences with President Simmons. One amazing story came from Nathan Burch ’07, a currency enthusiast, who spoke with an alumnus from the class of 1939. The alum shared that, while he was at Brown, he had placed a dollar bill in one of the old dictionaries at the library. Nathan found the oldest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary in storage at the John Hay Library. To his delight, the 1923 dollar bill was still there where the alum said he had left it—right next to the word “gag.”
The last question of the evening came from a graduating senior who asked the President to share her advice for those who will be leaving campus in May. She advised the students always to make decisions that they can stand by, remembering that each one matters, and to be true to themselves as they journey beyond this wonderful place.
As the students began to call alumni on behalf of the Annual Fund, the President mingled with them observing their conversations and sharing stories about connecting with the greater Brown community. “President Simmons reminded us of the importance of the work that we do,” summed up student manager Ari Nielsen ’06. “Everyone enjoyed and appreciated her visit very much. It was inspiring!”
Joan Wernig Sorensen '72, P'06, P'06 Awarded H. Anthony Ittleson '60 Cup
Since her graduation from Brown University in 1972, Joan Wernig Sorensen has demonstrated exemplary class leadership as well as a deep commitment to the Brown Annual Fund.
From her early days as a class agent and phonathon volunteer, Joan has been in the trenches promoting annual giving. Over the years, she has led her class in numerous reunion giving campaigns. Joan served for many years on the Brown Annual Fund Executive Committee, and is now entering her fifth year on the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council.
Joan sees the big picture and takes action to motivate others to join her in her visionary and proactive leadership. Last winter, Joan was the inspirational creator of the "Grand Challenge," spearheading fundraising efforts for a challenge that focused on the critical $1,000 benchmark. This challenge in turn inspired over 3,327 alumni, parents and friends to step forward with gifts at this level, an 8.2% increase over the previous year's all time record.
Brown University is fortunate to have Joan's consistent and compelling focus on annual giving and the Brown Annual Fund. Joan's strong and many-faceted volunteer leadership in addition to her terrific history with the Brown Annual Fund have now led her to critical roles with the President's Leadership Council, the Women's Leadership Council and most recently as a Regional Vice Chair for the Campaign for Academic Enrichment.
She is a worthy successor to Tony Ittleson and a wonderful friend to Brown.
$3.5 Million Campaign Challenge Announced
Members of the Brown Corporation have issued a $3.5 million Brown Annual Fund Challenge to celebrate the launch of the Campaign for Academic Enrichment.
Providence, RI - October 22, 2005 - At the public launch on October 22, 2005 of Brown University's ambitious fundraising campaign, "Boldly Brown: Campaign for Academic Enrichment," one of the highlights was Chancellor Steve Robert's announcement of a commitment of $3.5 million to the 2005-2006 Brown Annual Fund from members of the Brown Corporation. By making this commitment, these Brown leaders emphasized the importance of the Annual Fund and of broad participation in the Campaign for Academic Enrichment. Campaign Co-Chair Jerome Vascellaro '74 P'07 dubbed the effort a "Bold Burst for BAF."
Their commitment will be divided among three target areas, which will comprise the Brown Annual Fund's Corporation Challenge. The first aims to motivate record numbers of alumni, parents, students, and friends to contribute to the Annual Fund at any level. The second seeks to grow the number of Brown Annual Fund Leaders (donors of $10,000 or more), and the third encourages graduating seniors and the graduates of the last decade (GOLD) to participate.
$1.5 Million - Participation Challenge
To achieve an 8% increase in the number of donors and reach 32,650 individual donors to BAF, a new all-time record
$1 Million - Brown Annual Fund Leaders Challenge
The first $500k to achieve 430 donors at $10,000 -$24,999
The second $500k to achieve 235 donors of $25,000 or more
$1 Million - GOLD Challenge (Graduates of the Last Decade (1996-2005) and the Senior Class (2006) are eligible)
3:1 match for gifts received by 12/31
3:1 match for all senior class gifts received by Commencement
2:1 match thereafter
Brown Annual Fund sets new records for donors and dollars
Providence, RI - July 26, 2005 - A record-setting 30,230 members of the Brown Community made gifts to the 2004-2005 Brown Annual Fund, contributing $25,077,372. This all-time high in dollars raised represents an increase of $2.2 million (9.6%) over last year's results, while the number of donors increased by 2,952 (10.8%).
Highlights of the fundraising year include:
The Ittleson GOLD Participation Challenge was earned and giving from young alumni increased. Between March 1 and May 1, Tony Ittleson '60 P'89 '90 matched Brown Annual Fund gifts from members of the undergraduate and graduate classes of 1995-2004 as well as the graduating class of 2005 at the rate of 2:1. He continued to match subsequent gifts at the rate of 1:1 until the entire $500,000 in matching funds was expended. The Class of 2005 set a new participation record for the Senior Class Gift, reaching 68.3%, besting the classes of 2002 and 2003 which both reached 66%.
Brown was also successful in achieving the Brown Annual Fund Leaders Challenge. When an anonymous challenger issued the call for 600 donors to make gifts of $10,000 or more, the call was answered and the $500,000 challenge was earned. A record total of 607 Brown Annual Fund Leaders made gifts totaling $16.6 million. Leadership dollars increased by $2.1 million (14.6%) and donors increased by 76 (14.3%).
The Grand Challenge, issued by five Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council volunteers (Joan Wernig Sorensen '72 P'06 '06, Tom Berry '69 P'92 '96, Jim Burke '73 P'05 '06, Richard Dresdale '78, and Ralph Rosenberg '86), called for a 10% increase in the number of $1,000+ Brown Annual Fund donors. The challenge was structured so that $50,000 would be earned for each percentage-point increase in the number of $1,000+ donors, up to a maximum of $500,000. Fiscal year 2004 saw a record 17% increase in the number of donors at this level, so another 10% increase was certainly an ambitious goal. Three thousand three hundred twenty seven donors made gifts of $1,000 or more, an 8.2% increase over last year that earned Brown $400,000 in challenge funds.
Reunion Classes raised $7.3 million, a 12% increase over last year. Seven classes set new Brown Annual Fund records. For the first time, three classes - 1985, 1980, and 1975 - contributed more than one million dollars to the Brown Annual Fund.
Brown's Parents Annual Fund continues as a national leader with $3.36 million received this year from non-alumni parents, believed to be the largest parents annual fund gift in the Ivy League.
View the 2004-2005 results.
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Annual_Fund@brown.edu |