Third Century Fund Reaches Final Total of $53 Million

Dartmouth's Third Century Fund, on its March 31 final date, had reached a total of $53,036,714, some $2 million above the $51-million goal set in the fall of 1967 when the capital campaign was launched.

The Third Century Fund was the culmination of a total, major effort during the preceding 15 years to bring the College to preeminence in all its aspects by the 1969-70 Bicentennial. This largest fund-raising effort in Dartmouth's history was given impetus by the College's first major capital campaign (1957-59) which produced $17.5 million, primarily for plant and program expansion.

A total of 8,607 alumni, parents, friends, foundations, and corporations contributed to the Third Century Fund. The gifts of 8,166 alumni (about 30% of all alumni) accounted for $36,646,000. Fifty-three foundations made grants totaling $8,557,000, ninety-five corporations provided $3,523,000, and 86 parents contributed $493,000. An additional 207 gifts and $3,815,000 came from widows, friends, and others.

Among the very large gifts and pledges were twelve of $1 million or more, totaling $18,253,000. Seventy others were for $100,000 or more, totaling $17,730,000. Over two-thirds of the $53 million is already in hand, with cash gifts and pledge payments currently amounting to $38.5 million.

Some $32 million of the Third Century Fund will be available for endowment purposes. The remainder is allocated to plant construction, new programs, and some current-use categories.

In addition to the $53 million raised during the past three years, the annual Alumni Fund received $6.5 million from alumni, parents, and friends for current budget purposes.

"The success of the Third Century Fund," said Vice President George H. Colton '35, "is a tribute to the leadership of the late Rupert C. Thompson Jr. '28, who directed the Fund from its inception until his death in mid-1970. To him, as well as to all who worked to bring the campaign to a successful conclusion, the College owes an eternal debt of gratitude."

A final report on the Third Century Fund, with complete details, regional reports, and contributor listings, is now in preparation and will be sent to all alumni early next fall.