Together We Grow

GAMBIER, Ohio (July 21, 2006) Gifts to the College far outstripped expectations again this year, with a record number of donors contributing more than $4.2 million to the Kenyon Fund and the Kenyon Parents Fund.

"For the past two years, the Kenyon Fund-and for three years, the Kenyon Parents Fund-has shown incredible growth, thanks to the generous response of our donors and to a terrific reunion class effort spearheaded by enthusiastic leaders," said Mary Kay Karzas, director of annual giving and Class of 1975. "We want to thank everyone involved, and especially to recognize and thank all of our donors. An educational institution is a living, dynamic thing. Together, the Kenyon Fund and the Kenyon Parents Fund raised more than 9 percent more than last year's results, which will enable the College to continue to provide all the resources that make it such a special place."

At the close of the 2005-2006 fiscal year on June 30, the Kenyon Fund had received $3,377,500, nearly an 8 percent increase over last year. Alumni celebrating their reunions provided more than $816,847.

The $885,436 received by the Kenyon Parents Fund represents more than a 15 percent increase over last year. "The rapid growth of the Parents Fund over the last two years is truly amazing. Equally impressive is the fact that more than fifty percent of the parents of Kenyon students and more than 900 parents of alumni participated," said Shawn Dailey, director of parent giving.

"Kenyon continues to be a leader among our peers in Ohio and nationwide in the dedicated support of our alumni and parents," commented Sarah Kahrl, vice president for college relations. "In the past two years alone, our annual operating gifts have increased almost 20 percent, with more than $700,000 in new dollars coming to Kenyon. Every gift matters in results like these, and we're grateful to each and every one of our annual fund supporters."

The Kenyon Fund and the Kenyon Parents Fund are the College's largest sources of unrestricted operating support, and make an important difference in the day-to-day operations of the College. From scholarship aid to instructional software, from research to campus improvements, annual fund gifts support the essence of the Kenyon experience. The $4,262,936 combined total of these funds is equivalent to the income that would be generated by almost $95 million in endowment.