Kenyon Fund Chair Letter

My greetings to all Kenyon alumni:

Our fabulous alma mater continues to excel in the field of education and the other purposes for which it exists, due in large measure to your contributions to the Kenyon Fund in the fiscal year running from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010.

Here is my report on how the Kenyon Fund did in fiscal year 2010, as given in part at a very successful and enjoyable Alumni Association Gregg Cup Luncheon during Reunion Weekend. As tough economic times continue to make fund raising an intense challenge for all institutions, it is gratifying to be able to report that the Kenyon Fund ended the fiscal year with gifts of $3,202,449. We witnessed a substantial increase in both the number of alumni donors and the number of donors who increased the level of their support. Because of the success of the Kenyon Fund, the College has now operated with a balanced budget for forty consecutive years.

However, it is not only the alumni and Kenyon parents that give financial support to our alma mater. In the fiscal year just ended, the College faculty also made a substantial contribution to the Kenyon Fund. In a challenge match initiated this past year between the faculty and the alumni body—which group would have the greatest percentage of its members contribute to the College—the faculty, with 46 percent participating, contributed $24,000. The percentage of the alumni body contributing to the Kenyon Fund was 40 percent.

It is important to note that percent of participation is a significant factor in fund raising. Obviously, greater participation increases the total amount received by the Fund. But participation also plays a large role in convincing foundations and other organizations to give funds or grants to Kenyon. So, your support, at any level, is important.

Thank you all for your valuable gifts: the backbone of a successful Kenyon College.

B. Allen McCormick '55
Chairman of the Kenyon Fund and the Kenyon Fund Executive Committee (KFEC)