The Wheaton annual fund has topped its $3.7 million goal for the 2008-2009 academic year. Despite the national recession, more than 5,400 people contributed a total of $3,888,255 to the college through their annual gifts.

July 23, 2009

The Wheaton Annual Fund has topped its $3.7 million goal for the 2008-2009 academic year, announced President Ronald A. Crutcher. Despite the national recession, more than 5,400 people contributed a total of $3,888,255 to the college through their annual gifts.

"In these extraordinary economic times, we are profoundly grateful to the alumnae/i, parents and friends who gave to the college this year," he said. 

The Annual Fund is an essential part of the college's operating budget, providing funds for student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, clubs and many other campus activities.

"Annual giving provides a direct and immediate benefit to our excellent faculty and talented students," Crutcher said. "The quality of a Wheaton education remains strong for this generation of students, thanks to our community's philanthropy."

Vice President of College Advancement Mary Casey also expressed her thanks. "We are immensely grateful to those who gave to the annual fund this year," said Casey. "In light of the difficult economy we face today, their dedication and loyalty are truly impressive."

Casey noted that many Annual Fund volunteers also contributed their time and enthusiasm in encouraging others to join them in giving.

"If ever there was a year when it 'took a village' to reach the Annual Fund goal, this was the year," Casey said.

Additionally, two leadership donors stepped forward with major contributions that inspired others to increase their giving or to make a gift for the first time.

The first of these gifts was used to encourage alums, parents and friends to give $1,000 or more. As a result, the college received more than $400,000 in additional new gifts between April 15 and June 30, the close of the fiscal year.

The second major contribution was the catalyst for Stand Up 4 Wheaton, a challenge to members of the classes of 1990 to 2008 to make a gift.

Through Stand Up 4 Wheaton, every new contribution from these younger alums was matched 4:1. The alumnae/i responded generously; 562 individuals from the nine classes made their first gift, and participation among them increased by more than 6 percent. The Class of 2000 led the challenge with a 35.8 percent participation rate.

"We are truly grateful to the individuals whose generosity made these challenges possible," Casey said, "and to everyone who responded."

In reporting the annual fund results, President Crutcher also announced that Wheaton's annual giving program will henceforth be called the Wheaton Fund.