In the 2014 fiscal year, Grinnell received the highest amount of alumni giving in the past four fiscal years, with over 11.2 million dollars contributed to the endowment and various branches of the College. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations announced these numbers in a recent campus-wide email sent out on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Shane Jacobson, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, noted the importance of these gifts and the role they play in Grinnell’s future.
“Nationally, philanthropy has become an important component of campus life. President [Raynard] Kington and the Board of Trustees have defined charitable giving as a critical factor to future success at Grinnell,” Jacobson wrote in an email to The S&B.
The College has also made efforts to continue to connect with alumni in purposeful ways, which Jacobson credits for the success the College has had in receiving gifts.
“The Office of Development and Alumni Relations is engaging alumni in meaningful ways, whether it be through better communication, volunteerism, reunions, career services, admissions, networking or special events,” Jacobson wrote. “Within the alumni community, we will continue to focus on increasing the number of alumni who give and who are engaged in meaningful ways.”
Jacobson stated that these gifts are an integral part to the Grinnell experience, such as providing student aid and promoting the general health of the College. He added that the funds allow the College to maintain financial flexibility and make investments to improve the campus.
“Gifts allow us [to] sustain our generous student financial aid program, they endow faculty positions that enhance the classroom experience, provide funding for internships and study abroad, extend the menu of career services programs, support our competitive spirit in athletics [and] provide general funds to support departments and programs,” Jacobson wrote.
However, Jacobson added that their efforts have not just been about contacting alumni. Grinnell’s administrators have also put forth great efforts to enhance the current student experience.
“This isn’t just about giving money. Educating students and giving them the tools to network and engage with Grinnell after graduation will help us sustain the strongest possible alumni network. The student experience is enhanced because of alumni who give back,” Jacobson wrote.
