Record Fund Hits $2,464,201
The Dartmouth Alumni Fund ended its 1971 campaign just short of its $2.5-million goal, but the $2,464,201 contributed by 21,608 alumni, parents, and friends of the College was nevertheless a remarkable achievement establishing all kinds of records for the Fund.
Not only was the total the largest ever raised, but the increase of $425,000 over the previous year was the greatest one-year jump in the Fund's 57-year history. The average gift of $116 also was a record. Contributions to the 1971 Fund were made by 59% of all alumni, the highest participation percentage for the year among all major colleges and universities in the nation.
A major part of the increase this year came from reunion classes conducting special solicitations under a new class reunion giving program. The Class of 1931, on its 40th reunion, became the first class to raise over $100,000 in a single campaign. The Class of 1921 raised more than $73,000 for its 50th reunion and the 25th year Class of 1946 also raised just over $70,000. Two classes, holding 35th year reunions, also had significant records, with the Class of 1935 raising $85,000 and the Class of 1937 exceeding $90,000. Six other classes—1926, 1927, 1929, 1930, 1933, and 1953—each raised more than $50,000 in regular campaigns. Included in the total was $77,980 given by 1543 parents.
The Dartmouth Alumni Council's 1971 Alumni Fund Committee, responsible for the campaign, was headed by Robinson Bosworth Jr. '37 of Milwaukee, Wis. The executive director at Hanover headquarters was Clifford L. Jordan Jr. '45. Some 4000 head class agents and assistant agents were at work during the campaign. In a message to them, Mr. Bosworth hailed their achievement as "a major milestone in the growth of the Alumni Fund" and as a testimonial "to the abiding loyalty of Dartmouth alumni to the College and to the leadership of President John Kemeny."
A detailed annual report on the 1971 Fund will be sent to all alumni in November.
The new Murdough Center, now under construction between the Thayer and TuckSchools, will provide new facilities for both of the graduate schools.
