The participation of young alumni and record-setting donations marked a banner year for Cornell’s Annual Fund.
The Annual Fund, the yearly fund that directly and immediately impacts the lives of students, faculty, and staff, raised a record $2.28 million for the 2007-2008 fiscal year. The final amount reflects the highest total amount raised for the Annual Fund to date, as well as the highest per-donor amount in the college’s history.
“The giving from our young alumni has been a strong part of our success this year,” said Trish Kohl, who in her first year directing the Annual Fund, helped shepherd the fundraising to its highest total in Cornell history. “Their commitment to Cornell sends a positive message about the quality of their education and the momentum of the college.”
Cornell was also pleased to announce 4,487 total donors, from parents to alumni to friends of the college. The average donation from all individuals rose nearly five percent, and the average alumni gift also rose more than five percent over last year.
“I am humbled by the tremendous generosity from friends and alumni of Cornell College. Against the backdrop of a sagging economy this has been another record-setting year for the annual fund, and it’s a credit to the value Cornell has created in so many lives and the hard work of our dedicated staff,” said Vice President for Alumni and College Advancement Peter Wilch. “There are many charities our alumni and friends choose to support and I am grateful so many count Cornell as a priority for their philanthropy.”