Helping Hannah (and every Wofford student) Annual Fund gifts bridge the gap between tuition, endowment and financial aid
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eet Hannah Jarrett ’11. In many ways, she’s a typical Wofford student who fell in love with the college during her first visit and is looking forward to summer break before beginning her junior year in the fall. Her financial aid package is pretty typical too: a combination of a merit scholarship, federal and state grants, college loans and work-study. Usually that would be enough, but Jarrett, like thousands of college students across the country, fears rising tuition, decreasing merit scholarships, uncertain government grants and piling additional loans on her future so she can finish her degree. “I’ll probably be one of those people who are paying off their student loans for the rest of their lives. But I feel like my Wofford education is worth it,” says Jarrett. Over the past year, declines in endowment market value and income have required Wofford to focus on budgetary belt-tightening while protecting the faculty-student relationships and academic programs at the core of the Wofford experience. As departments begin the 2009-10 fiscal year, administrators and faculty know that they’ll again be operating within tight financial constraints. According to Wofford President Benjamin B. Dunlap, the current economic storm facing the nation increases the value of annual financial gifts to the college. “What is crucially important in such a period is that our forward momentum is sustained and that the Wofford student experience grows ever better,” he says. “Because of wise investments and prudent budgeting in the past, Wofford is in a position to accomplish precisely that. Annual Fund gifts are not being used to patch the sails on the good ship Wofford, but to keep its sleek new engine running at top efficiency.” Lisa De Freitas ’88 has been working in Annual Giving at Wofford for 20 years. This is the most challenging economic climate she’s ever faced. “The economy has affected so many of our constituents,” says De Freitas. “Recent graduates are having difficulty finding jobs, retirees are facing huge losses from investments, and so many families are dealing with the loss of income. And yet, Wofford remains a priority for thousands of alumni, parents and friends who have already given to the college this year — some for the first time. I am encouraged and humbled by their generosity. It is this broad base of support for the Unrestricted Annual Fund that will be critical to bridging the gap while the endowment recovers strength over the next couple of years.” Even though she’s a student, Jarrett’s not just along for the ride. As a member of the Wofford on Call team, Jarrett and 30 other Wofford students make telephone calls asking Wofford alumni, parents and friends to give to the college. “One of the reasons I love working for Wofford on Call is the fact that I know I’m helping contribute to lowering tuition and increasing scholarship funds,” says Jarrett. “Every time I get a pledge, I’m not only grateful on behalf of Wofford, but also personally grateful because I wouldn’t be here without the Annual Fund.”
Annual Fund Historic Growth $3,000,000
2009 Goal Current total $2,500,000
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
Annual Fund growth from 1989 through 2009. The 2009 total of $2,800,000 is a goal figure. The current Annual Giving total for 2009 is $1,239,408.
Hannah Jarrett ’11 The college uses Annual Fund dollars right now to help where the college needs the funds the most. According to De Freitas, that might be faculty salaries or scholarships, but it also might be used to finish a construction project, keep the lights burning in Old Main, or purchase technology. Jarrett feels some comfort knowing she’s doing her part even if sometimes the person on the other end of the line can’t make an immediate gift because of the economy. “Thankfully, most people know that the economy affects Wofford and Wofford students. They realize that now is the most important time to donate to the college, even if it’s a seemingly meager amount. Every gift counts,” says Jarrett. “I feel that if you’re going to spend money on anything right now, it should be education. And from my experience with Wofford on Call, most Wofford people agree.”
by Jo Ann Mitchell Brasington ’89
Great Oaks Society recognizes leadership gifts to the Unrestricted Annual Fund
B
elow, Dixie and Carter Thomasson ’68 enjoy conversation at the Great Oaks Society reception held at the president’s home on May 11. The Greats Oaks Society event recognizes donors who give at least $2,500 each year to the Unrestricted Annual Fund. Their gifts provide critical operating support for the college and help offset the cost of tuition for every Wofford student. Annual Fund contributions provide support for the entire educational experience at Wofford — from academic support and student services to scholarships and maintenance of the campus. To revisit the evening or learn more about the Great Oaks Society and see a current list of members, visit www.wofford.edu/gifts/ GreatOaksSociety.aspx. Summer 2009 • Wofford Today • 7