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An 'Outpouring of Support'

Give what you can.

With only one week left in the fiscal year, many parents are making that a priority. Some have had to reduce their gifts and others have stepped up with larger contributions, saying they realize it's a tough year and they want to show support for current students and programs. As of June 25, 671 parents had made gifts.

"We are heartened by the outpouring of support we have seen from parents," said Valerie Smith, associate director of annual giving/parent programs. "We understand that parents need to be especially thoughtful about their priorities right now. The fact that many have nonetheless decided to support the Parents Fund is a tremendous endorsement of the education they feel Connecticut College is providing their sons and daughters."

Last year the Parents Fund reached $627,000, and this year's goal is $700,000. As of June 25, this year's Parents Fund stood at $624,201. The Fund needs 84 donors to match last year's participation of 40 percent.

There's still time to make a difference. Make your gift online or call 1-800-888-7549 by June 30.

Throughout the year, the College has emphasized that its momentum continues despite the recession. A new fitness center will open later this summer, three more students won Fulbrights this year, and the College is adding two new tenure-track teaching positions.

Parents Fund gifts are included in the Annual Fund, and support all aspects of a Connecticut College education, including career-related internships, study abroad, athletics and financial aid. Read more. The recession makes these gifts more important than ever, and gifts of all sizes, taken together, have a substantial impact.

The Class of 2009 has played a major part in this year's drive, breaking the Senior Giving Program record for the third year in a row by reaching 97 percent participation. Their gifts will be matched 2 to 1 by Trustee Tom Sargent '82, who helped found the program during his own senior year.

President Higdon and his wife, Ann, thanked the seniors by inviting them to a gala reception at the Mystic Arts Center, where they enjoyed live jazz and a riverfront sunset.



June 25, 2009