How To Give
Nearly 200 Graduates Of the Last Decade met in Sidney Frank Hall during Homecoming Weekend (October 3-4, 2009). They caught up with friends, took part in a craft-beer tasting from Rhode Island's own Trinity Brewhouse, and celebrated their fantastic Brown Annual Fund results. To stay informed about events like these, make sure to become a friend of Carrie Tower on Facebook. Nearly 200 Graduates Of the Last Decade met in Sidney Frank Hall during Homecoming Weekend (October 3-4, 2009) to catch up with friends, take part in a craft-beer tasting from Rhode Island's own Trinity Brewhouse, and celebrate their fantastic Brown Annual Fund results. Their participation, as donors to the Annual Fund, shows how much they appreciate those who shaped their Brown experiences and reminds those who graduated before them, and those who will follow, that Brown’s young alumni are “Boldly Brown.” To receive information about events like these, become a friend of Carrie Tower on Facebook.
Stop by, see who’s in town for the night, and celebrate the year’s fantastic results in young alumni giving to the Brown Annual Fund at A Toast to the '00s!
This event will feature a complimentary craft beer-tasting from Rhode Island's own Trinity Brewhouse, as well as a cash bar, DJ, and prize drawing. SPACE IS LIMITED; RSVP REQUIRED ON FACEBOOK. This event will close when it's full.Click to visit our Toast to the '00s Photo Gallery
October 2009
2008-2009 Brown Annual Fund Raises A Remarkable $35 Million From 31,276 Donors
The Brown Annual Fund witnessed the dedication and commitment of Brown alumni, parents and grandparents, friends, faculty, staff and students as $35 million was raised to support the University. These funds will help Brown continue its mission of providing critical support to enhance the Brown educational experience.
The Parents Annual Fund had an outstanding year, raising $6.2 million, a new University record, which continues the program’s position as a leader in the Ivy League and is believed to establish the program as the largest parents annual fund in the country. The University derives strength from the enthusiastic support of parents whose gifts underscore their belief in the power of a Brown education.
This year Brown Annual Fund Leaders exceeded last year’s total dollars by 1.9%. The first-ever Young Leaders goal of $250,000 was surpassed with contributions from 98 Young Leaders (donors of $1,000 or more from the classes of 2005-2008 and donors of $2,500 or more from the classes of 2000-2004). The new Brown Annual Fund Young Leadership Council’s hard work and dedication rendered significant returns with a 53% increase in donors and a 69% increase in dollars over last year’s Young Leader totals. The success of the Young Leaders program contributed to an increase of more than $100,000 in overall GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) giving since last year. The success of the GOLD program was, in part, due to the GOLD Participation Challenge which was earned, in its entirety, on May 1, 2009.
The Brown Annual Fund also benefitted from several additional challenge gifts. The Class of 2009 took advantage of two challenges sponsored by anonymous donors. One provided an additional $25,000 once the Class obtained its participation goal of 73%. The Class of 2009 came out in force and achieved a record breaking 74.8% participation rate. The second challenge gift for the Class was a dollar-for-dollar match, which matched the donations raised by the Class of 2009.
The extraordinary circumstances of the economy proved to be a challenge of its own. As a result, the Brown Annual Fund incorporated funds from seven volunteer leaders from the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council and the Brown University Corporation into the Twice as Nice Challenge. This challenge encouraged all donors who had made Annual Fund gifts between July 1, 2008 and May 21, 2009, to consider adding to their support of the University. The Twice as Nice Challenge would match all second gifts to the Annual Fund, up to $500,000, through June 30. The Brown community rallied behind this initiative and earned this challenge in its entirety.
The 30th Reunion class (1979) met its goal of $1.5 million this year. This effort was achieved with the support of an anonymous $220k challenge gift from a classmate spurring giving in May and June. Overall, this year’s reunion classes raised $7.7 million. The 5th Reunion class (2004) set a new cash record by surpassing the record set last year by the class of 2003. All post-50th Reunion classes exceeded their participation goals.
Brown is made stronger each year by individuals whose generosity provides students with the educational opportunities and tools needed to succeed and prepare them for lives of leadership, and purposeful engagement. It is the collective support of many that enable Brown to continue its tradition of academic excellence and strengthen a sense of pride for all members of the Brown community.
Brown Celebrates "1764 Society Month" Brown Celebrates "1764 Society Month" Student Calling Program “Rings In” the Academic YeaStudent Calling Program “Rings In” the Academic Ye\
$500,000 Twice As Nice Challenge Announced
Seven volunteer leaders from the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council and the Brown University Corporation have come together to offer this challenge. They are asking the more than 25,000 donors who made Annual Fund gifts between July 1, 2008, and May 21, 2009, to consider adding to their support of the University’s students and faculty through the 2008-2009 Brown Annual Fund.
A dollar-for-dollar match will be provided for second gifts to the Annual Fund from current-fiscal-year donors from May 22 to June 30, 2009, or until the funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first. Gifts of all sizes are eligible.
Donors whose second gifts qualify them for membership in the Brown Annual Fund Leaders will help earn two challenges!
May 21, 2009
"1764 Society Month" Celebrates Donor Loyalty
Continuing with a tradition of donor recognition that began last year, the Brown Annual Fund and President Ruth J. Simmons are marking the second annual “1764 Society Month” this May on College Hill. The month-long celebration was launched in 2008 as a special way of saying “thank you” to those loyal donors whose consistent Annual Fund support is a driving force behind Brown’s success.
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. Donors who make Annual Fund gifts of any amount qualify for membership in The 1764 Society. Members provide resources for the outstanding faculty and students who make a difference in our communities and throughout the world.
“Brown is a family tradition, and to support the Brown Annual Fund is an honor. We have a responsibility to give back to the institution that has made a difference and changed our lives for the better,” said Joe Petteruti ’69 P’97 (pictured). Joe has supported the Annual Fund without fail for nearly two decades. The University has played a large role in the Petteruti family for three generations: Joe’s father, Joseph Sr., graduated from Brown in 1937 and, 60 years later, Joe watched as his son, Philip did the same. “When I give to Brown every year, I am providing a launching pad for yet another student who is finding a way to make a mark and dream his or her own special dream.”
Last year, 11,137 alumni, parents, and friends were recognized as members of The 1764 Society. During 1764 Society Month, Brown Annual Fund Co-Chairs Joan Wernig Sorensen ’72 P’06 P’06 and Ralph F. Rosenberg ’86 sent their good wishes to the 99 people who have given to the Annual Fund every year for a quarter of a century and forwarded a proclamation to each of them signed by President Simmons. Student volunteers participated in 1764 Society Month by holding a thank-a-thon on Saturday, May 2, 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 10, 2009May 6, 2009
Students and Simmons Join Forces in Support of the Annual Fund
Senior Gift Kickoff, Student Calling Center both feature visits from the President
The Brown Annual Fund has been providing students with an activity-filled spring semester. Two recent events showcased current undergraduates’ commitment to giving back to Brown, and featured appearances by President Ruth J. Simmons.
On February 11, members of the Class of 2009 gathered on Pembroke campus for their 
traditional Senior Class photo with President Simmons and then proceeded into Alumnae Hall for the Senior Gift Campaign’s official kickoff. Senior Gift Committee Co-Chairs Eunice Eun ’09 and Pete Gilligan ’09 welcomed their classmates, spoke about their passion for giving back to Brown, and introduced the event’s special guests: President Simmons and Brown Annual Fund Co-Chair Joan Wernig Sorensen ’72 P’06 P’06. Both women shared their perspectives on how seniors can stay connected to Brown after graduation and help make the University a better place for students today and in the years to come. Event highlights included the announcement of two exciting challenges: a pool of $25,000 that will match gifts from members of the Senior class dollar-for-dollar, and a second gift of $25,000 that will be earned if the Class sets a new record of 73% participation. President Simmons drew cheers when she announced her personal gift of $20,009 to the class’ efforts.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet, and some took the opportunity to have personal conversations with the President. Many Seniors made Annual Fund gifts at the kickoff, while others left with gift envelopes to return later as well as to pass on to friends.
Eun considered the event a great start to the Campaign. “I could feel the camaraderie and excitement of the members of our class. We really enjoyed commemorating the hard work and fun we've had throughout the past four years,” she said. “What better way to do that than to give back to the place that has given us so much? Many Seniors made gifts after leaving the kick-off; that tells me the event was a success!”
The Senior Gift Campaign has secured nearly 285 gifts for a participation rate of 21%. The Committee has planned many events and opportunities to give throughout the Senior class’s final semester.
Later in the month, President Simmons continued her mission to inspire student philanthropy with a visit to the Student Calling Center. Many callers came in during their scheduled night off from work to hear her share fundraising stories from the road and offer words of encouragement for the important work that they do. Student Caller Gabrielle Salazar ’09.5 felt that the evening was a great way to start the Center’s spring fundraising session. “Spring is a very important time for fundraising at Brown, and we all work very hard,” she said. “It is nice to know that President Simmons is rooting for us as we work toward the Call Center’s $1.85 million goal!” 
The Student Calling program plays a significant role in Brown’s annual giving efforts. To date, callers have contacted more than 7,200 alumni, parents and friends, resulting in more than $1,000,000 being raised for the University. In addition, the Student Calling program also provides thousands of alumni and friends with what may be their only opportunity to have a conversation with someone at the University.
Every year, Brown’s Senior Gift and Student Calling programs engage more than 100 students in fundraising for the Brown Annual Fund, introducing them to the power of philanthropy and the important role that donors play in furthering the University’s mission. Their passion for Brown and hard work on behalf of the Annual Fund ensure that the University thrives each and every year.
April 10, 2009
GOLD Classes Get Bold With Participation Challenge
What do you get when you cross Brown’s graduates of the last decade (the “GOLD” classes) with a couple of alumni hoping to help them reach an all-time participation record? An exciting new Brown Annual Fund challenge for undergraduate and graduate alumni in the classes of 1999-2008.
The GOLD Gets Bold Participation Challenge was launched on February 1 by two alumni who wish to remain anonymous. The challengers have committed a total of $500,000 in order to increase Annual Fund participation among Brown’s most recent graduates: a group who represent over 20% of the University’s total alumni base. Between February 1 and May 1, young alumni who make Brown Annual Fund gifts will have triple the impact for their alma mater, thanks to GOLD Gets Bold. 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. 
While the challengers have an immediate goal—to break participation records this year among the GOLD Classes—they also want GOLD Gets Bold to reinforce the habit of giving back to Brown through the Annual Fund each and every year. Past GOLD challenges have laid a strong foundation of consistent Annual Fund support: Brown Annual Fund dollars from undergraduates in the GOLD classes have increased by 108% and donors have increased by 85% thanks to positive momentum established by GOLD challenges over the last six years.
“The spirit and generosity of the new GOLD Gets Bold Challenge will inspire me to make my donation to the Annual Fund. In hard economic times, it is great to see other alumni helping us recent graduates make a bigger impact on the Annual Fund,” says Peter Volosin ’08. “I also hope my classmates will join me in giving so that we can reach the top of the Carrie Tower Climb!”
The undergraduate classes of 2005-2008 are engaged in some friendly competition of their own: the Carrie Tower Climb has pitted Brown’s four most recent classes against each other to see who will achieve the highest Annual Fund participation percentage by June 30. Click here to see who is currently in the lead.
February 17, 2009
Strong Donor Support in Weak Economic Times
As it does every year, donor support of the Annual Fund is making a significant and immediate difference on campus. Alumni, parents, and friends are coming forward to bolster Brown’s academic mission and lend a helping hand to keep intellectual life strong for students and faculty on College Hill. For some, the economic situation has provided a reason to maintain or increase their support.
Jen Stromsten ’90 and David Brock ’90
Two alumni who were a “match made at Brown” still consider giving back to their alma mater a priority despite these trying times. Jen Stromsten and David Brock, both members of the Class of 1990, met during Freshman Week in 1986. Today, the married couple lives in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Jen, a stay-at-home mom, and David, a science historian who is co-authoring a book on the invention of the integrated circuit (due out next year), have kept close ties to Brown, even with busy schedules and demanding financial responsibilities. “We spent our 20’s paying student loans, getting through graduate school, and starting a family,” said Jen. “Dave and I have given back to Brown since we graduated.” The couple belongs to The 1764 Society, the recognition group for donors who have contributed to the Brown Annual Fund for five or more consecutive fiscal years (Brown’s fiscal year runs from July 1-June 30).
The vibrant corner of western Massachusetts that Jen and David call home is populated with a large contingent of Brown alumni. “None of us are from Greenfield originally, but a large number of Brown alumni live in our neighborhood: no fewer than seven Brown graduates within three blocks of us,” Jen said. “We may range in age, but we are friends because we share a worldview that brought each of us to Brown and was nurtured in us there.” “It’s a common theme that can be found in the pages of the alumni magazine—charting one’s own path,” David added.
“In this seemingly out-of-the-way place, you see the great diversity of New England: farmers, manufacturing, rich and poor, young and old,” explained Jen. “Our town offers many possibilities for people who are taking the ‘road less traveled,’ which is also a very Brunonian trait.”
Creative Giving Strategies
Some donors are utilizing creative new ways to maintain their Annual Fund support this year. Some are opting to use their debit card to make their gift. Others are dividing their contribution into monthly or semiannual installments. Many donors are also harnessing the power of their companies’ matching gift programs, which provide an easy way to double, triple, and, in some instances, quadruple the amount of a gift.
For Jen and David, the strategy is clear: partake in the joys of living in an authentic community (“We volunteer, hike, garden, go to the farmers’ market, and hang out with neighbors at monthly pot lucks”), and remain loyal to the institutions that matter to them most each and every year.
February 9, 2009
Alumni Earn 2007-2008 Annual Fund VolunteerAlumni Earn 2007-2008 Annual Fund Volunteer Awards Young Alumni Classes Reach for New Heights with "Carrie Tower Climb"
Fresh from their undergraduate years on College Hill, the Classes of 2005-2008 are competing in a challenge that aims to establish a new standard for young alumni participation in the Brown Annual Fund. The University’s youngest alumni officially kicked off the Carrie Tower Climb on December 1. The classes are now jockeying to get their own “class bears” to the top of the very same tower that is a symbol of their alma mater. 
The competition, which is based on Annual Fund participation, is the first of its kind at Brown. These four classes worked hard as students to achieve significant Senior Gift participation rates; they are eager to keep the momentum going as alumni. Brittany Locke ’08, who served as Co-Chair of her class’ Senior Gift effort last year, is excited about the Carrie Tower Climb. “We set a new record last year that sent a powerful message to alumni,” she said. “I’m excited to see my classmates and also my friends from the Classes of 2005-2007 support Brown in this important way.”
This grassroots effort to support the Brown Annual Fund is spearheaded by alumni volunteer committees from each class. They are planning to reach out to classmates via phone, email, and social networking avenues such as Facebook. Click here to check out the Carrie Tower Climb’s Facebook group.
The competition will run through June 30, 2009. The participating classes are hoping that early momentum from this challenge will help them meet their December 31 donor goals. Any Brown Annual Fund gift from an alumnus or alumna in the Classes of 2005-2008 will count toward the Carrie Tower Climb.
Want to nudge your class’ bear closer to the top of the tower? Click here to make a gift and help your class get to the top first.
May the Best Bear win!
December 8, 2008
October 2Student Calling Program “Rings In” the Academic Year
Alumni Earn 2007-2008 Annual Fund Volunteer Awards
One is a graduate from the 1960’s; one from the 1970’s; and one was running to class across the Main Green just six short years ago. Despite the differences in their Commencement years, Richard Chambers ’69, Cheryl Alexander ’75 P’11, and Tarek Khanachet ’03 all share a common bond of strong volunteer service to their alma mater. This year, each was honored for his or her commitment by being named a recipient of a Brown Annual Fund Volunteer Service Award.
H. Anthony Ittleson ’60 Award: Richard Chambers ’69
Since 1990, the Ittleson Cup Award has been given by the Annual Fund to an individual or group who best exemplify the extraordinary leadership of H. Anthony Ittleson ’60, national chair of the Brown Annual Fund from 1986-1990.
Richard Chambers is celebrating his 40th Reunion this year: a milestone that commemorates his 40 years of supporting Brown as a dedicated and active alumnus. Since graduating, he has played a leadership role in his class as part of the Reunion Gift Committees for his 10th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, and 40th Reunions. He served on the Brown Annual Fund Executive Committee from 1980-1985, and was national co-chair of the Brown Annual Fund from 1982-1984, a period during which the Annual Fund experienced over 40% growth. Additionally, he has been a member of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council since 2003, encouraging his classmates to step forward for Brown as philanthropic leaders each and every year.
Brown Annual Fund Co-Chairs Award: Cheryl Alexander ’75 P’11
Established this year, this award salutes the efforts of an individual or group who played a critical role in achieving the Annual Fund’s goals and securing financial support for the University’s highest priorities.
Not only does Cheryl Alexander understand the value of a Brown education firsthand, she is getting to experience life on College Hill all over again through the eyes of her son Brian, who is a member of the Class of 2011. The Lincoln, MA, resident has been a member of the Brown Annual Fund Leadership Council since 2006, and joined the Parents Leadership Council last year. As one of the Boston area’s strongest Brown supporters, she enjoys reaching out to classmates and parents alike, urging them to help sustain the University’s academic mission.
Brown Annual Fund GOLD Award: Tarek Khanachet ’03
Also new in 2008, this award honors one or more graduates of the last decade (the University’s GOLD alumni and alumnae). Recipients are chosen based on volunteer fundraising contributions that have contributed substantially to the Annual Fund’s success.
The youngest of this year’s award winners, Tarek Khanachet began giving back to Brown in significant ways while still a student at the University, serving as Class President and Co-Chair of his class’s Senior Gift Committee. Last year, he co-chaired his class’s very successful 5th Reunion Gift Committee which broke a long-standing record by raising $121,220 for the Brown Annual Fund. Reunion Weekend may be behind him, but Tarek’s days as a volunteer leader are only beginning as he is a founding member of the Brown Annual Fund Young Leadership Council.
Brown applauds Richard, Cheryl, and Tarek for their enthusiastic leadership and support of the University on behalf of the Annual Fund. They are all great friends to Brown and truly worthy of this year’s awards.
October 23, 2008
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