Dear alumni, parents and friends,

This update provides a progress report, a glimpse at some beneficiaries of your support and a focus on the importance of endowment gifts.

The First in America: Fulfilling Our Destiny campaign has garnered $125 million in support toward a $150 million goal in just the second year of a five-year public phase. More than $20 million has been added to the total in this fiscal year, boosted by four notable gifts of $1 million or more.

A significant increase in private giving and strong investment returns have grown the endowment from $156 million in 2003 to $352 million in 2008. As donors, we should be extremely pleased that our gifts are growing and the college is seeing an increased benefit from our support.

In spite of these gains, our endowment remains smaller by a factor of two or more than our academic peers. We have found ways to do more with less, but ultimately endowments create the primary means of institutional differentiation. Future endowment gifts from you and others remain vital to advancing the goal of reaching an endowment of $500 million by 2011.

Alumni, parents and friends who believe in and support the future vision of the college will determine our destiny. Your involvement and support is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
George & Jennifer Ward Reynolds ’77,
campaign co-chairs