The Campaign's Final Month
THE contest that is attracting the most attention in the Dartmouth community this month is the $17,000,000 race between the Capital Gifts Campaign and the calendar. The unique progress chart on the College Hall porch (shown on this page) provides up-to-date information on the campaign for students, faculty, visiting alumni and friends. The June 30 finish line is in sight, and if you ask President Dickey or Vice President Hicks, they will admit the race is close - with Dartmouth the odds-on favorite.
This article cannot give an accurate June 1 figure, for it had to go to the printer in mid-May. At that time, however, all indications pointed to a total of $15,000,000 or more by the first week in June.
National Chairman Charles J. Zimmerman '23 set the tone for the crucial final month in a special June 1 report to all alumni. He called on everyone to join in the climactic effort by making an initial pledge, or by reviewing a pledge already made in the light of improved business conditions this year - and in light of each man's sense of responsibility for the success of this Dartmouth endeavor. Members of the Board of Trustees and other alumni leaders across the country join with him in expressing determination to bring this campaign to a successful conclusion. The funds raised will finance a Dartmouth program that has been explained to alumni groups across the land by President Dickey, Mr. Hicks and other College leaders. New strength in faculty compensation plus first-rate facilities for teaching are imperative for the service that must be rendered in the years ahead.
The Development Office reports that even before Mr. Zimmerman's letter was mailed a growing number of pledge increases was being received. In one week, two $20,000 increases came in from the Mid-West, and one New England alumnus doubled his $15,000 pledge. Many other increases ranging from $50 to several thousand also were acknowledged. A letter of intention, addressed to the Development Office, indicating a desire to raise a pledge or to add to a gift is all that is necessary. Pledges do not have to be paid by June 30, 1959; a pledge may run 30 months, or three tax years, from the time the pledge is made, or even longer.
Many pledges are being gained by the homestretch efforts of the regional organizations and by the Class Agents who are bringing Dartmouth's message to every alumnus. Mid-May leaders in the "Go Dartmouth" class competition were 1915, 1921, 1925, 1933, 1940, 1950, and 1952 and 1953, tied in the youngest alumni group contest.
The efforts of Class Agents and regional workers can be completely successful only when each alumnus feels a personal responsibility for Dartmouth's future and desires to do his full share in this Capital Gifts Campaign," Mr. Zimmerman declares. When this is done, the outcome of the campaign can never be in doubt."
This large progress chart, showing the Dartmouth Indian climbing Bartlett Tower, faces Main Street from the porch of College Hall, and keeps everyone informed about the campaign.
