With participation by 61.6% of alumni, Bowdoin College’s 2014-2015 Annual Giving campaign, comprising the Alumni, Friends, Parents and Polar Bear Funds, raised $11,579,742.
The Alumni Fund raised $9,069,657, a 2% increase over the previous year and an all-time high for the College.
The notable participation achievement, a leading outcome nationally and an increase over last year’s 59.3% participation rate, was accomplished with help from 713 alumni volunteers — 89 more than last year.
“The loyalty and support from our alumni continue to strengthen the College and make possible many things that make Bowdoin the special place that it is,” said Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Rick Ganong.
“We are grateful for this thoughtful generosity and dedication to Bowdoin.”
Polar Bear pride was swelling among Reunion Classes. Members of the Class of 1965 celebrated their 50th Reunion with 100% participation.
The 5th and 15th Reunions (Classes of 2010 and 2000) set new participation records — 72.6% and 65.4%, respectively — and the Class of 1955 collected $106,593: a new 60th Reunion revenue record.
This year’s senior class showed its appreciation with 89% participation, as did 69% of alumni from the youngest 10 classes.
Membership in the 1794 Society went from 1,160 to 1,206, and membership in the Sundial Circle increased 14%, from 716 to 816.
Revenue from matching gifts rallied from recent years, increasing by 13%.
The 2014-2015 Parents Fund brought in $2,173,337 from 1,202 donors, far surpassing the original goal of $2.050 million.
The Senior Parents Gift Campaign also outpaced expectations, raising $510,443 from 219 families, for 51.4% participation. The Friends Fund brought in $62,077.
The Polar Bear Athletics Fund saw a dramatic increase, thanks in large part to a matching challenge, and brought in a record $261,794.
The 2014-2015 Annual Giving campaign was made possible by the generosity of 12,716 donors.
