A Record Season of Giving

A record season of giving thanks to alumni and family support

four students walk past holden garden near mead

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ closed 2023 with a record-setting Season of Giving campaign that marked a major milestone in ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½â€™s recent fundraising history.

Funds will be used to help current and future students in three areas: scholarships, internship support, and support in the areas of greatest need.

Propelled by the support of many alumni and families, along with several special challenges, ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ netted more than $1.1 million during the campaign, which started with Giving Tuesday on Nov. 28 and ran through Dec. 31.

In 2022, the Season of Giving campaign raised about $500,000. The 2023 total not only doubled that amount, it also surged past its goal of enlisting 625 donors, reaching 718.

The ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Advancement team attributed success to a significant number of alumni and families who responded to appeals and contributed during the month-long campaign. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ 44% of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ alumni and 33% of current families gave gifts in support of the campaign.

Several special challenges incentivized the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ community to participate. These included the President’s Challenge, which was sponsored by Strom and Isabelle Thacker and promised a gift of $10,000 when 500 donors contributed to the campaign (that goal was reached). A challenge organized by the Board of Trustees resulted in unlocking an additional $157,000.

Other successful challenges were issued by the Alumni Board; Family Leadership Council; John and Janie Barman P’20, P’27; and Lupe and Alvaro Cardenas P’25.

“A culture of philanthropy is vital to any school’s fundraising efforts,� said Shannon Spaccarotelli, senior director for alumni and family engagement and annual giving. “Our success this year is a strong sign that such a culture is thriving and growing in our community.�