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from PRINCETON UNIVERSITY Annual Giving campaign raises nearly $34.6 millionPRINCETON, N.J. -- The 2002-03 Annual Giving campaign raised $34,562,041, with 59 percent of Princeton’s undergraduate alumni participating, the University announced today. Leading the classes in dollar amount raised was the class of 1963, which set a 40th reunion record by contributing $5,000,063 from 76.5 percent of the class. This class has broken a record at every major reunion since its graduation. Two other major reunion classes set new records: the class of 1983, which broke the 20th reunion mark with $1,910,483 in contributions and 63.8 percent participation, and the class of 1988, which set a 15th reunion record by raising $1,198,888 with 71.5 percent participation. The 25th reunion class of 1978 raised $4,340,503, and two classes -- 1953 and 1958 -- raised more than $2 million each. The Graduate School raised a record $770,288, and the Parents Fund totaled $1,544,134. "At a time when unrestricted support is more important than ever, I am delighted with the outcome of this year's terrific Annual Giving effort," said President Shirley M. Tilghman. "Annual Giving puts Princeton at the forefront of universities nationwide in the financial aid we are able to grant to students and the groundbreaking research we are able to foster. My deepest thanks to the volunteers who helped make this happen, and to our alumni who gave so generously." The class of 1952, coming off its record-setting 50th reunion campaign, contributed $431,793 -- the highest total among the non-major reunion classes. The class of 1952 remains at the top of classes in cumulative support of Annual Giving. The campaign ended with a record surge of gifts, including more than 1,000 on the campaign's final day, June 30. "When it comes to participation, literally every gift matters. The rush in giving in the final days of the campaign made a meaningful difference to our total participation," said James E. Crawford III, chair of Annual Giving and a member of the class of 1968. "We are grateful to our volunteers for their efforts and to our donors for their loyalty to Princeton." The highest participation among major reunions classes was achieved by the class of 1948, which reached 83.3 percent. Among non-major classes, the class of 1931 reached 100 percent participation for the second consecutive year. Among young alumni, the highest participation was reached by the 15th reunion class of 1988, whose 808 donors represented 71.5 percent of the class. In addition, the youngest five classes all exceeded 60 percent participation. Annual Giving is the yearly appeal Princeton makes to all alumni, parents and friends for unrestricted funds, which can be used immediately to meet the University’s most important needs and opportunities, including faculty recruitment and retention, financial aid and library and computer resources. Annual Giving funds allow Princeton to solve problems as they arise and to seize unexpected opportunities to further its mission. |