The Year of the Tiger has arrived. As we said goodbye to one of the most challenging years in memory, we look forward to seeing what 2010 has in store, both personally and for Colorado College.
The Vision for Colorado College remains strong, and the passion of alumni, parents, and friends of the college remains intact. The past year did show adjustments in how people chose to invest in their CC passion.
For Today
Regular, sustained annual giving makes all the difference. Unrestricted giving at all levels remained strong in 2009, although fewer people felt able to make their annual gifts. In celebration of those who demonstrate their commitment to CC each and every year, the tiger paw has returned. Look for a tiger paw symbol nearly every place you see your name printed in CC materials. It declares to one and all that you have made your annual investment in CC for at least three consecutive years. And when someone asks you about the paw, brag a little, then encourage them to join you. To make it even easier to remember to give each year, you can sign up for the EZTigerPass, to make your annual gift automatic. http://www.ColoradoCollege.edu/giving/
Alumni from the class of 2009 to the class of 1936 never forget the importance of their commitment to today’s students and faculty. Chrissey Buckley ’02 made her first gift to CC this year, saying, “I realized it was important to give back so others can have the valuable experience I did.”
For Tomorrow
People like Daniel ’59, P’91 and Anahid Crecelius P’91, found a way this year to guarantee their commitment to the future education of CC students is ensured. By creating an endowed scholarship, they guarantee that young people will have the opportunity to learn and grow at CC, just as Dan did.
Maxwell Brown ’12 is a recipient of an endowed scholarship at CC. He received the M.D. and Luna A. Thatcher Scholarship this year, and says, “Colorado College was the dream school of my list. Thanks to the generosity of the donor and CC itself, this dream became achievable. My ability to attend CC is a gift, and I mirror that in my actions and attitudes every day.”
In 2009, some loyal donors found themselves in situations that made such commitments difficult to make, so the campaign momentum underway in this area, along with other endowed investments for professorships, slowed considerably. However, the first few months of the new fiscal year saw more commitments than all of 2008-09.
Forever
Each year, regardless of current economic circumstances, some members of the CC family make the largest commitment of their lives through estate planning. In many cases, this will be a much more significant financial investment in the college they love than would ever have been possible during their lifetime. There are many ways to accomplish this, of course, and involve just as many touching and meaningful stories. For example, Freeman Hover ’51 left the college a bequest of almost $30,000, after more than 20 years of annual gifts. Legacy commitments are the ultimate manifestation of philanthropy that will sustain Colorado College into the future.
Where do we stand in 2010? We stand strong for CC.
Achieving Our Vision Campaign Progress
Total commitments: $165.1 million
Participation by alumni in the campaign: 56.8 percent
Fiscal Year 09-10 (as of Feb. 28, 2010)
New major commitments, including legacy: $5 million
Annual gifts: $3.5 million, including:
President’s Circle
1874 Society
Gifts of $1-$1873
Gifts for other purposes
U.S. News & World Report Degreed Alumni Participation as of June 30, 2009 — 22.2 percent
