Tallying the Alumni Fund

Sassorossi, "knowing it might lead to lower figures." But if you hold his feet to the fire today, Sassorossi will admit that under the old system, with pledges included, the 1994 take would be a record-setting $13.9 million, ahead of the goal by $400,000.

Sassorossi also reports that, contrary to speculation about coeducation leading to fewer donors, male and female alums give to Dartmouth at almost identical rates—about one out of every two alumni contributes. In a few cases women lead the men in their class in terms of participation.

Sassorossi is particularly gratified that 1994 marked the first time that three reuning classes have topped the million-dollar mark in giving: 1944, 1954, 1969.

Because 1995, unlike 1994, will be a reunion year for more 15-year classes than 20-year classes, expectations have been scaled back a trifle. The Fund's goal will stay at $13.5 million. And once again it will have a benchmark to measure itself against.