Banner year for Wheaton philanthropy and engagement

Friends and supporters of Wheaton College contributed more than $34.7 million in gifts and pledges during 2006-2007, setting a new record for giving to the college. At the same time, hundreds of volunteers invested in Wheaton through activities ranging from guest lecturing in classes and writing for the Quarterly to serving on advisory panels and volunteering for the Annual Fund.

''Wheaton's loyal supporters know that there are many ways of giving to the college,'' said President Ronald A. Crutcher, ''and that all of them are indispensable.'' He noted that the Alumnae/i Association has been engaged in a strategic planning process aimed at expanding opportunities for its members to become involved in the life of the college.

The year's fundraising success was fueled by key gifts to Wheaton's planned science center and for endowed scholarship support. In addition, donors contributed more than $3,540,000 to the Annual Fund, providing vital operating and program support and topping the annual-giving goal of $3.4 million.

Project Scholarship, the yearlong endeavor to increase scholarship aid for Wheaton students, also exceeded its goal of $6 million, drawing nearly $6,370,000 in contributions.

''This trustee-led initiative helps to address the crucial need for additional scholarship support at Wheaton,'' said Mary Casey, vice president for development. ''Its impact was immediate--yielding an additional $1.2 million in financial aid for students attending Wheaton this year and for the next four years.''

To sustain the momentum of Project Scholarship, the college will put special emphasis on building scholarship endowment resources over the next several years. Other key priorities will be the proposed science center and expansion of the Annual Fund, a critical part of the college budget.

The record giving of FY07 marked a significant first step toward meeting these needs, said Crutcher. ''The Wheaton community has demonstrated as never before that it cares deeply about today's students and those of tomorrow,'' he said. ''I know that I speak for the entire college--students, faculty and staff--when I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every one of Wheaton's generous supporters.''

The president added that he has been highly impressed by the variety and range of participation in the college on the part of alumnae/i and friends. For example:

• More than 800 volunteers served as trustees, class officers, regional club representatives, Annual Fund agents and members of the Alumnae/i & Parent Admission Committee (APAC).

• More than 550 family members and alumnae/i visited campus in May to celebrate the Class of 2007 and attend Reunion.
• Friends of the college with expertise in various fields provided valuable counsel as members of the President's Commission, the Global Advisory Group and the Science Center Advisory Group.
• Alumnae/i, parents, friends and prospective students came together at more than 40 Wheaton regional events.
• Hundreds of alumnae/i joined OnLyon, the online community of Wheaton alumnae and alumni that now numbers 6,000 strong.