Annual Giving campaign breaks records

By mmarks on July 24, 2001, 10:23 a.m.

This year's Annual Giving campaign raised a record-breaking $36,698,032, with 59.4 percent of Princeton's undergraduate alumni participating.

The members of the class of 1976, celebrating their 25th reunion this year, raised the highest amount of any class in Princeton history -- $5,447,376. The class of 1951 set a record for a 50th reunion by contributing $3,535,447. Other major reunion records were set by the classes of 1936 (65th reunion), 1941 (60th reunion), 1986 (15th reunion), 1991 (10th reunion), and 1996 (fifth reunion).

The Graduate School raised $716,778, setting a record for the sixth consecutive year. The Parents Fund totaled $1,634,645.

"The unrestricted funds that Princeton receives through Annual Giving are absolutely critical to the success of our educational mission," said President Shirley M. Tilghman. "And the high rate of participation among our alumni and friends demonstrates a level of confidence and support for which we are very grateful."

The highest rate of participation this year was achieved by the class of 1931, which celebrated its 70th reunion with 92.3 percent of the class contributing. The class of 1939 boasted 91 percent participation, exceeding 90 percent for the tenth consecutive year. And the class of 1963 set a record for a non-major reunions class, raising $550,363.

Younger alumni, many of whom are not yet firmly established in their careers, made an especially noteworthy effort. The youngest five classes - 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996 -- all exceeded 60 percent participation. "The willingness of our most recent graduates to participate so early in their careers is incredibly encouraging and says so much about the connection people have with Princeton," noted Annual Giving Chair Brian McDonald, a member of Princeton's class of 1983.

Annual Giving is the yearly appeal Princeton makes to all alumni, parents and friends for unrestricted funds, which can be used immediately to meet the University's most important needs and opportunities, including faculty recruitment and retention, financial aid, library and computer resources. Annual Giving funds allow Princeton to solve problems as they arise and to seize unexpected opportunities to further the University's mission.

Contact: Marilyn Marks (609) 258-3601

Related Stories

Princeton's Annual Giving campaign raises $59.3 million .

Princeton University's 2015-16 Annual Giving campaign raised $59,334,144 — the second highest total in Annual Giving history — with 58.4 percent of undergraduate alumni participating. The results are notable for their strength and breadth across all of Princeton's constituencies: undergraduate alumni, graduate alumni, parents and friends.

Princeton's Annual Giving campaign raises $50 million .

Princeton University's 2010-11 Annual Giving campaign raised $50,010,045 -- the second highest total in Annual Giving history -- with 61.3 percent of undergraduate alumni participating. The results are notable for their strength and breadth across all of Princeton's constituencies: undergraduate alumni, graduate alumni, parents and friends.

Annual Giving campaign raises nearly $37 million .

The 2004-05 Annual Giving campaign raised $36,976,959 -- the highest total in Princeton's history -- with 58.6 percent of undergraduate alumni participating. The results are notable for strong performances across Princeton's broad range of constituencies, including major Reunion classes, non-major Reunion classes, graduate alumni and parents.  

Annual Giving campaign raises record $40.4 million .

The 2005-06 Annual Giving campaign raised $40,408,142-- the highest total in Princeton's history -- with 58.2 percent of undergraduate alumni participating. This achievement -- $3.4 million more than the previous best last year -- represents strong performances across Princeton's broad range of constituencies, including major Reunion classes, non-major Reunion classes, graduate alumni and parents.

Princeton's Annual Giving campaign raises record $61.5 million .

Princeton University's 2014-15 Annual Giving campaign raised $61,490,178 — the highest total in Annual Giving history — with 60.3 percent of undergraduate alumni participating. The results are notable for their strength and breadth across all of Princeton's constituencies: undergraduate alumni, graduate alumni, parents and friends.

Princeton’s Annual Giving campaign raises record-setting $74.9 million .

Princeton University’s 2016-17 Annual Giving campaign raised $74,912,035, with 56.8 percent of undergraduate alumni participating. This historic achievement — Princeton’s first-ever Annual Giving campaign in excess of $70 million — represents strong performances across all of Princeton’s constituencies: undergraduate alumni, graduate alumni, parents and friends.

Annual Giving campaign raises record-breaking $54.1 million .

The 2007-08 Annual Giving campaign raised $54,109,304, with 59.2 percent of undergraduate alumni participating. This historic achievement -- Princeton's first-ever Annual Giving campaign in excess of $50 million, and $5 million more than last year's previous record -- represents strong performances across Princeton's broad range of constituencies, including major Reunion classes, non-major Reunion classes, graduate alumni and parents.