By Calvin D. Husmann
Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations

Thanks to the support of Lawrence University’s fiercely loyal alumni and friends, fiscal 2009 was a strong year for fund raising for Lawrence.  Gift income from private sources in fiscal 2009 totaled $16.8 million, a 46 percent decrease from the all-time record $31.4 million received in fiscal 2008.  Absent the $11 million pledge payment from the anonymous donor for the Warch Campus Center commitment received in fiscal 2008 or a comparable gift, these results are favorable, especially when factoring in the challenges of stressed economy.  The results also reflect the college’s long-standing strengths in annual giving (The Lawrence Fund) and deferred giving (The Lawrence-Downer Legacy Circle).

Use of Funds Received
Of the $16.8 million received, $3.4 million was received in gift directed to facility services, principally for the Campus Center, Memorial Chapel renovation and the Björklunden expansion; $7.2 million for the endowment; and $61,000 for life-income gifts.  The college received $2.46 million for restricted current gifts including gift for the College Avenue median project and upgrades to residential facilities.  Gifts to The Lawrence Fund tallied $3.65 million and $91,335 was received in other budget-relieving gifts. Approximately $22,000 is undesignated, pending discussions with donors regarding permanent allocations.

Realized bequest income totaled $4.95 million, a 24 percent decrease over last year’s robust $6.5 million but still significantly higher than $1.7 million in fiscal 2007.  Membership in the Lawrence-Downer Legacy Circle grew to 777 living members from 737 in fiscal 2008.  Corporate and foundation support held steady with $2.4 million received again in fiscal 2009.

The Lawrence Fund
Buoyed by the response to the “Triple Treat” challenge by select members of the Lawrence Board of Trustees, the $3,647,259 in gifts secured for The Lawrence Fund set another all-time record, reflecting a 2.6 percent increase over last year’s $3,555,743.

Founders Club membership was down slightly to 743 (versus the record of 773 set last year).  Founders Club members contributed $2.4 million, 66 percent of Lawrence Fund gifts.

In fiscal 2009, Milestone Reunion classes contributed $207,851 or 5.7 percent of all gift to The Lawrence Fund.  When including gifts, multi-year pledges, restricted gifts and planned gifts (for the 50th Reunion), the Classes of 1999, 1984, 1969, and 1959 collectively committed $2,437,664.

The alumni donor participation rate dropped slightly to 43.2 percent from 45.2 percent and the number of alumni declined from 6,186 from 6,419.  As reported last year, it is increasingly difficult for us to reach alumni via the phonathon given caller ID and an increase in other call-screening mechanisms.  It is unfortunate that this downward trend is also experienced by the majority of our sister institutions, many of whom reported even more precipitous declines with accompanying decreases in unrestricted dollars raised.  We are hopeful that the three-year $3 million trustee match initiative (Game, Set, Match!) will inspire more alumni to begin supporting their alma mater and to encourage loyal supporters to increase their support when they are able.

Support for Björklunden via The Boynton Society was up slightly — $251,135 compared to last year’s $248,878.

Endowment and Facility Services
Gifts to the endowment totaled $7.17 million, a decrease (24.5 percent) over last year’s $9.5 million, but still above the college’s average ($6 million) for the past decade.  Within the $3.39 million facility services gifts, $2.29 million was received for the Campus Center, $399,541 for the Björklunden Expansion project, $402,000 for Memorial Chapel renovations, $135,890 for the science building and $34,430 for Memorial Union renovations.

More Light! Campaign
As of August 17, 2009 total gifts and commitments for the campaign stand at $121.4 million.  Given the challenges of the economy, major gifts from individuals have become more difficult to secure.  That said, Lawrence was fortunate to receive a $1 million gift from Bob and Bonnie Buchanan for scholarship endowment — a true highlight of the year.  We focused efforts intensely on The Lawrence Fund and Lawrence-Downer Legacy Circle.  A highlight for the campaign was a $10 million bequest commitment from an anonymous alumna.  Further cause for celebration in fiscal 2009 was securing the requisite funding for the Richard and Margot Warch Campus Center and the Riverwalk.  Clearly, More Light! and Lawrence continue their strong momentum.

Special thanks to all who care about Lawrence University for your investment in our students.  You are making a positive impact on the college’s ability to offer a first-rate education to all our students.  We remain most grateful for your support.