Thank you, Lewis & Clark alumni!

Because of your generosity, alumni participation in the Annual Fund shot up 21.1 percent in 1998-99 to 27.6 percent in 1999-2000. Moreover, 27 percent of alumni donors increased the amount of their previous gifts to the College.

A significant benefit to the College from the substantial increase in donations is that the challenge gift from the Collins Foundation doubled from $15,000 in 1998-99 to $30,000 in 1999-2000.

“We are thrilled to see the alumni rally together like this for the College,” said Jennifer Samuels, director of annual giving. “The Annual Fund is the funding base that supports all aspects of the College. It provides money for student financial aid; to maintain campus grounds; and to fund the arts, sciences, overseas study, athletics, technology and research. Also, prospective students look at alumni participation as a reflection of alumni satisfaction as they select a college.”

More than 3,500 alumni (25 percent more than last year) contributed almost $400,000 (12.5 percent more than last year). For 337 alumni, their 1999-2000 gift was their first gift to Lewis & Clark College. Gifts ranged from $1 to $25,000.

The College extends special kudos to the class in each decade that showed the greatest increase in alumni participation:

Class of 1929: 15 percent increase.

Class of 1934: 40 percent increase.

Class of 1946: 30 percent increase.

Class of 1950: 17 percent increase.

Classes of 1964 and 1965: tied with 9 percent increase.

Class of 1972: 6 percent increase.

Class of 1981: 11 percent increase.

Class of 1997: 9 percent increase.