Colgate’s alumni accepted the challenge this past fiscal year. Their giving rate 55 percent propelled Colgate into the top 10 among all four-year baccalaureate colleges in the nation.
Colgate benefited from the support of 14,200 alumni, an increase of 2,607 donors from the previous year. The 8 percent increase from the prior fiscal year reversed a declining trend for the university.
The increase in giving pushed Colgate ahead of Swarthmore, Haverford, Wesleyan, and Wellesley. Topping the list at 61 percent were Williams, Amherst, Davidson, and Centre College
Colgate’s goal for alumni participation for fiscal year 2004 is 56 percent, or 14,500 alumni donors by May 31.
University President Rebecca Chopp emphasized the importance of building on last year’s record-breaking success.
‘Alumni participation means being an active member of the Colgate community and helping to make a difference in the lives of our students in the classroom, on the athletic field, in the laboratory, the library, and the Coop.
‘Participation helps Colgate achieve its aspiration of shaping the next generation of engaged citizens who are leaders in their communities, in the nation and, increasingly, around the world,’ Chopp said.