association news | ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT’S REPORT funds are appropriately budgeted and allocated, monitoring both income and expense. As a result of our recent financial review from Schultheiss and Associates, the Finance Committee adopted several measures that were recommended by our auditors. First, the Association changed its fiscal year to July 1 through June 30 to be consistent with the fiscal year of the College. This change will make the budgeting process simpler. We’ve changed our method of accounting from modified cash to accrual, primarily due to a change in recording income for Reunion Gift Funds. The Association will now be recording all income for Reunion Gift Funds as unearned revenue in the year it is received – a liability on the balance sheet. Also, the committee began reviewing credit card processing rates since many banks have been raising both monthly and individual transaction fees. Two vendors were evaluated– PayPal and ProPay. A contract was signed with PayPal, the most reliable and cost-effective choice. The Board plans to review and approve the most recent audited financial report for a short year ending June 2011 with total excess revenue and support over expenses of $36,566, including both unrestricted and restricted funds. Five years ago, the Finance Committee, working in response to a request from the Class of 1966, developed an investment vehicle, the long-term Reunion Gift Fund, to enable classes to plan ahead for their 50th reunion by providing a mechanism for longterm investing. All donations to class gifts are recognized as tax-deductible contributions in the year they are given and are listed in the College’s annual Donor Recognition Report. Last year, the class of 1961 accumulated over $42,000 in donations for the benefit of the College. Currently, we have seven classes with long-term Reunion Gift Funds – the classes of ’62, ’64, ’66, ’70, ’71, ’74 and ’75. We’re pleased to report that we will be liquating the second Reunion Gift Fund this year for the Class of 1962 who have been able to accumulate over $53,000 in contributions. I regret to report that last year, the Association lost a revenue stream with respect to royalty fees when Bank of America canceled its Affinity Credit Card program. Many of you
are aware that alumnae who used the Wilson College Bank of America Credit Card helped to provide funding for student internships. The Association is still planning to assist students in funding internship opportunities since students majoring in VMT and business studies have required internships, and availability of these funds is often critical to their success. This past year, the Pittsburgh Club of Wilson College collaborated with the Association, which allowed us to broaden our outreach and provide funding amounting to nearly $3,000 to three outstanding students. These internship opportunities included funding for Stephanie Bachman ’12 and Kristen Leitzell ’12 to attend the Equine Facilitated Therapeutic Conference in Athens, Greece, and for Sarah McGuckin ’13 to study veterinary medicine at the Craig Road Animal Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev. In addition, the Association sponsors two scholarships annually with endowed funds. The Legacy Scholarship, established in 1969, is awarded to full-time, undergraduate students who are daughters or granddaughters of Wilson College alumnae. The Ethelbert Warfield Scholarship, established in 1936, is awarded to undergraduate students who have completed their junior year on the basis of scholarship, general influence and financial need. During the past few years, the Association has awarded over $4,500 for Legacy scholarships and $7,500 for Warfield scholarships to deserving students. The Alumnae Association Board, Admissions Office, and Student Development continue to collaborate in ways that strengthen the recruitment and retention of students. In January, the Board hosted the second annual event with students called Conversations at the Commons, in which students presented their experiences in research, leadership development, work-study programs, and internships. This event continues to receive rave reviews from alumnae who are eager to learn about campus life and college experiences today. The students were so enthusiastic that we plan to host this event each year. During Premiere Weekend, Vice President of Enrollment Mary Ann Naso invited young
alumnae to participate in panel discussions with prospective students and parents where they discussed their careers and experiences beyond Wilson. According to Mary Ann, each group of students and parents were truly impressed to meet these Wilson alumnae. We also sponsored events and activities on campus in conjunction with Student Development, including the etiquette dinner and the everpopular Food for Finals waffle night. The Board greatly values its role in the Wilson community and strives to find ways to strengthen relationships with administration, students and faculty. This year the Board provided funding for the Performing Arts Series and Career Services and planned its annual dinner with students at the Brooks Complex. We’re so thankful to have the opportunity to serve our alumnae and the Wilson community. Of course, you make it possible for Wilson to continue to thrive and serve new generations of students. So let’s work together to share our time, talent and treasure to most effectively serve the Wilson community. On a personal note, I have been humbled and honored to serve as President of the Alumnae Association for six years and as a Trustee, ex officio. During these years, I’ve met so many amazing alumnae and enjoyed close friendships with my wonderful Wilson sisters. Working together, we accomplished much; however, I couldn’t have accomplished anything without the support and dedication of each member of the Board. It was my privilege to work with women who love Wilson and who volunteered countless hours in service to the Association. I sincerely thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve our Wilson community, and I will continue to serve this community for many years to come. As I turn over this responsibility to Mary Cramer, President-Elect, I’m confident that she has been prepared to assume her new role, and I look forward to a smooth transition to her leadership. Warmly, Paula S. Tishok ’71, President
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